Hawk's Eye Senior Issue Class of 2016 by Olathe East Hawk's Eye

Class of

2016 The

Hawk’s Eye

STAFF

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

ADVISER Karen Kirk CO-EDITORS Logan Brockschmidt Jordan Meier BUSINESS MANAGER Amy Du COPY EDITOR Alexa Buechler SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR Natalie Friend SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Gavin Miller Nikki Lansford Ben Kohl Hannah Cruise DESIGNER Jacob Wilson WRITERS Jacob Stofer Melanie Eszter Margo Dulny Ryann Smith Addis Sharpe Blythe Dorrian Kaitlyn Shacklett

Senior Issue TABLE OF

CONTENTS

[Senior Issue ‘16] 3

Arizona

Iowa Central University:

Mackenzie Geis

Arizona State University:

Cornell College: Alexa Buechler

Arkansas

University of Arkansas:

Kansas

Brendan Langmack

Nicole Friend University of Kansas: Zach Frieze Brandon Mills Ashlee Edler Natalie Friend Brecken Petty Paige Kochenower Ryan Njenja Jordan Blakemore Hannah Silverman Rylie Lindig Nick Lee Jeremy Edds Abbey Sigler Lauren Westervelt Hailey Young Sophie Manwarren Halina Pinkston California Taylor Sorensen University of Southern California Ryan Sioben Rebecca Luu (Los Angeles): Jake Sheldon Deanie Chen Nick Zinn Los Angeles Pierce College: Jay Haverty Hannah Huffman Danny Bartak Loyola Marymount University: Hannah Miller Malik Jackson Emily Schukai Hannah Cruise Colorado Carlie Rakkaew Anna Borden Colorado Christian University: Emily Kennedy Kayla Davis Logan Steen Anders Hanson Haley Wagner Colorado State UniversityAlden Vogel Pueblo: Bailey Thompson Autumn Waldrup Cory Bestwick Brian Percival Florida Connor Churchill Flager College: Joshua Ng Kayla Goff Jeremy Kabler Georgia Alex Conley Georgia State University: Amirah Abdullah Ireland Kendrick Alicia Marksberry Art Institute of Atlanta: Kiah Choe Mikayla Blunt Emily Kaemmer Hawaii Jenna Kor Brandan Murray Hawaii Pacific University: Molly Kaspar Kaelyn Schimmel Laurie Bush Illinois Morgan Benson University of Illinois Justin Paden Adam Cavanaugh (Urbana-Champaign): Niko Vrentas Brian Xu Addy Milford Columbia College-Chicago: Sean Calderon Hannah Eckenrath Lauren Szukelewicz Jordan Reeder Drew Thomas Illinois State University: Kylie Lormis Michelle Kuruc Brad Beller Mitchell Latimer

Iowa

4 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Darby Gertsema Casside Hartford Kate Hunter Amy Du Hannah Cruise

Kansas State University:

William Willson Katelyn Struckle Dash Schneeberg Ryley Schools Cody Brady Scott Johns Sarah Barletter Trevor Walters Jasmine Gray Braden Fain Brittney Quinn Olivia Mangual Allison Shanahan Kyler Masilionis Madison Byrd Kaylie McCune Spencer Lind Sam Douglas Paulina Olivas Nora Voigt Colleen Growney Tim Williams Julianne Anderson Spencer Kuchta Haley Rolfe Megan Vollink Mitch Masilionis Corey Johns Bailey Appleba Taylor McKee Tyler Laflin Danielle Soliday Monica Lozano Julia Kappelman Lauren Taylor Trent Kempker Matt Hinkley Zandt Durham Colin Cope Dominic Arnone Emily LaRocco Mitchell Walden Heather Kolb Nicholas Diddle Matt Meinhardt Emily Tozier Michael Arnone Jacob Ostertag Leslie Twillman Ellery Hoyt Madeline Ames Abby Pfannenstiel

Luke Barr Dannie Grimes Nate Reichmuth Benjamin Kohl Logan Brockschmidt

Nebraska

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Erika Boohar

Creighton University:

Mid-America Nazarene University:

Connor Esparza

Neosho County Community College:

Cortney Brown Dion Union Joanna Riggs

Benedictine College:

Mary Whitehead McKinley Fitzgerald

Emporia State University:

Payton Dockery Zachary Cahill Suzannah Burris Sophie Jones Madison Wiles

Johnson County Community College:

Chase Winemiller Micaela Stohs Adam Thronton Morgan Mores Mallory Newberry Kaitlyn Howard Miah Lindsey Shelby Werner Andrew Baumgartel Maxwell Bilyeu Brant Wilson Robert Benird Connor Stewart Quentin Goode Ashley Hill Elias Jaramillo Kate Worrel Samantha Diaz Eric Olsen Gillon Roberts Brook Kevins Kirbsaim Gonalez Baylee Morrell Zamantha Henriquez Andrew Hopper Allie Ruoff Kayleah James Tate Tonkin Sarah Rucker Jeremy Porras Rafael Guerra Dakota Macon Allan Galindo

Robert Herrera Andrew Cinda Olivia Miller Jontel Mendoza Kayla Mullins Makenzi Utter Drew Wallace Sarah Schmidt Trisden Goodeyon Lesley A. Poarch Manuela Gonzalez Leui Wang Josh Cosgrove Will Weirick Krishawn Whitaker Breanna Walter Brian Mentzer Elshaday Tesemma Nicole Davis Daniel Drake Patty Vogt Annalee Petersen Samantha Mainord Dante Eatman Jamir Phillips Cory Barton Tucker Drake Jason Menegay Taylor Smith Alyssa Bruce Hanna Denney Caleb White Tate Leonard Andrew Rader Harrison Manhore Edgar Lopez Samantha Vinardi Julio Alucredo Felix Chevez Adam Mohabbat Clayton Ramsey Christos Papedo

Kansas City, Kansas Community College:

Allison Sturgis

Bethel College: Jenna Deger

Pittsburg State University:

Murad Baheyaden

Patrick McFarland University of Concordia Emily Wetzel

North Dakota

North Dakota State University:

Oklahoma

Cameron Hunter Taylor Collins

University of Tulsa:

Ruchi Goyal Jordan Meier Connor Guard Rachel Smith Caroline Apel Owen Bly Joshua Ritch Sierra Ashton Christopher Varvel Paige Stortz Okalahoma State University: Makayla Winfrey Kaylen Gurwell Elise Zissman Emily Jasnoski Jayd Sprecker Nellie Underwood Truman State University: Marcus Watts Robb Morris Annie Colwell Emma Shore Devin Ellicott Andrew Heaton Emily Tucker Michael Blazevic Henry Cannon Harrison Carrender Missouri State University: Robert Schoonover University of Oklahoma: Kansas City Art Institute: Sabrina Ton Shannon McLeroy Justin Donnelly Michael Meier Hannah Lane

Missouri Western State University:

Washburn College: Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School:

Tierra Carter

University of Central Missouri:

Tristan Jordan Courtney Cole

Harley Stewart

Fort Scott Community College:

Kameron Barnes

Wichita University:

Karina Alvarez-Villegas Ciara Thuston

Baker University:

Tori Adcock Vanderbilt University:

Karla Araujo

Park University: Aaron Murray

William Jewel University:

Sam Pepper

Farrah Kanty

Austin Weiler

Andrew Reed

Maryland Institute College of Art:

Minnesota Missouri

University of Missouri-Kansas City:

Maddie Greely Emily Blais

Ahna Valdez

Eli Huber

James River Leadership College:

St. Olaf College:

Mikaela Hoke

Jenna Lillian

University of Missouri (Columbia):

Emily Shehi

Tennessee

Longview Community College:

Cowley Community College: College of the Ozarks:

Maryland

Pennsylvania

Shae Delancy Curtis Institute of Music:

Drury University:

College Destinations 2016

Abbey Bart

Texas

Wade Rance Selina Liu

Texas Christian University:

Matthew Mowry Jullian Cooley

Utah

Brigham Young University:

Military

Tristan Chiarolanza Ethan Evans Alyssa Lapine Britnie Harston

Marine Corps:

Work

Alec Carr

James Freel –ACCESS /work

Jessica Novillo – work Ryan Whitcomb – FOCUS Ryan Sturd – FOCUS

[Senior Issue ‘16] 5

lathe East’s athletic stars and brilliant students draw attention from many, but few students shine brighter than Jordan Reeder in his fields of expertise: theater and choir. Reeder participated in the school performances for most of his high school career. “I’ve done Legally Blonde, Beauty and the Beast, Drowsy Chaperone, then Catch Me If You Can, Footloose, Mary Poppins, and then I did a play last year called Up the Down Staircase.” Reeder said. Reeder has worked hard at what he does and has gained praise from many people. After performing in dancing, supporting, and lead roles, he has shown he truly has a passion for the theater program at Olathe East. He said, “I love [theater]. It’s very time consuming but it’s very interactive. It’s family oriented. We’re all very close.” He started choir and theater a few years before coming to Olathe East. “I did community theater at The Culture House for two or three years before I came here. They’re very similar. Here it’s more of a social thing which is a good and bad thing at the same time, because you meet new people, you have a great time, but usually at community theaters they’re more focused and it’s a little bit nicer.” Reeder said. As a member of both the department at East and at the culture house, he has needed to split his time wisely. He also works a part-time job and mentors underclassmen as a Hawk Leader. Reeder cares about the social side of theater almost as much as the acting part. He attributes many of his friendships to theater and the environment it encourages. “It’s great because it’s such a family thing in theater so you carry that all throughout high school. With the upcoming people and the people that are older than you, you lose some [friends], but then you gain some more when they come up. It’s just really nice. You meet new people then you meet their friends, it’s just a great way to meet other people,” he said. His hard work for the program has given him immense pride towards the theater

6 [Senior Issue ‘16]

productions at Olathe East. Reeder said, “Here we have a lot, a lot more talent than other high schools which is great. It’s amazing. [I’m] not bashing the other schools, but we do put on some amazing plays.” Those “amazing plays” have resulted in 6 Bluestar nominations for this year, allowing the Olathe East theater students a chance at recognition in front of their peers at a ceremony at Starlight Theater. As Reeder moves on to college he hopes to follow the same passion that he has had throughout high school at Columbia College Chicago for musical theater performance. He seems to be following the adage “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” “I either want to do professional theater in Chicago or head to New York and try to get on Broadway. That would be really amazing.” He wants to encourage anyone with a desire to act, sing, or dance to try their passion. Reeder said, “Not everybody’s the best at everything. Not everybody is horrible. You have some talent; somebody can dance; somebody can sing; somebody can act. If you can barely do one then just try it out because it’s a learning experience. You’re not going to be able to like walk onto the stage and be perfect, you have to, you know, go.”

“I either want to do professional theater in Chicago or head to New York and try to get on Broadway. That would be really amazing.”

Photos Courtesy of Jordan Reeder

Jacob Wilson

Olathe East Class of ‘16

ikki Li proves to be an example for both bravery and determination in school while training for the Army. Li becomes the first person of her to family to be drafted in any of the military of any branch which adds something new to their family. Enlisting in summer of 2015, Li looks forward to the dedication and discipline of the army. Going along with a schedule is another bonus factor to becoming a member for her. When Li gets to the army, she will train to become a practical nurse, but her final goal after being a nurse is to go back to school to become a surgeon. To begin her career, Li will attend a special military institution that is not the same as the average state school, such as University of Kansas, or Kansas State University. However, the military school will help Li specialize in military studies she needs to get her initial degree, also called an MOF. Her college will allow her to get basic credit classes out of the way, for example general biology, which will be needed for nursing while she is taking her nursing classes. In the summer, Li will leave for Fort Still, Oklahoma on June 7, 2016 and will begin basic training for 10 weeks. Right after basic training, she will ship off to Fort Sam in Houston, Texas. Being able to be fit physically and mentally makes the thought of basic training more appealing to her, Li. She plans to enroll in ROTC after this year, because she didn’t know she could still enroll until after she enlisted in the regular army.

When she was younger, Li used to think about someday being in the Military - when recruiters would come to the door. She remains excited for the army, even if there are strict drill sergeants. After the weeks of basic training, Li will transfer to a regular four-year university to be a part of the ROTC program in which she will draft for eight years to receive education benefits, as well as deportments periodically. While in the ROTC program, Li would still attend the normal college life as another student not in the military. The ROTC program will help give more hands on experiences. ROTC, the program people enroll in to undergo officer training can be a beneficial way for college. Li wishes to be in medical school after her training. She would consider having her education paid for would be a true blessing. The difference in the two programs is the training. In ROTC, basic training is not required as in regular enlisting. One fear of Li, having people there be too competitive about everything causing her to not preform as well as she could. The other fear would be group punishments. One story she heard was someone stealing a candy bar from a vending machine, later being forced to eat it in front of all of the soldiers during their workouts, Li is excited about how the army breaks people down to bring them back up, and that the experience remains worth the troubles. Involved in multiple AP classes, Li has devoted herself to school inside and outside.

Li has taken all of the AP classes except for AP Psychology, but her favorite class would be AP Biology because of the different teaching methods she has experienced. Besides AP Biology, Anatomy would remain to be her favorite classes at school. These classes teach more on working memory, and Li likes having to think to come up with what was learned. Rikki Li enjoyed being an avid marching band leader, and in band helping with the drum majors for three years. During drum majoring, Li conducted the band members giving her some leadership experience for the military, coming in earlier and more often than the rest of the band to help their success. For high school students, Li recommends being more productive in all areas of work

Photos Courtesy of Rikki Li

Rikki Li

Jordan Reeder

Olathe East Class of ‘16

Blythe Dorrian

[Senior Issue ‘16] 7

Olathe East Class of ‘16

hile most know him from his school activities, there is far more to Will Compton than anyone would think at first glance. “I officially started playing percussion in fifth grade, but I got my first drum set when I was only two years old,” Will Compton said. As a drum line captain, member of the pep band, and lacrosse player, he found himself heavily involved during his time at East. But outside school hours, Will, also a certified pilot, spent his time in the air, flying planes and soaring over Chief ’s games. “I’ve just been interested in it my whole life. I auditioned into drum line my freshman year and was in the front ensemble, went up to bass my sophomore year, then snare my junior and senior year,” he said. As a member of the band and the drum line, Will arranged his drum set and played at many home-court games. Between before-school rehearsals, class time, and after-school rehearsals, he normally spends two or three hours a day practicing. Yet it clearly pays off for not just him, but his whole team. He said, “Indianapolis [for drum line] was definitely our biggest achievement. Being the first school percussion ensemble in Kansas history to ever make this festival was a big deal.” A highly competitive opportunity, Will and the rest of the drum line qualified to attend and made the trip out this spring. There, they performed and watched others perform in an elite demonstration. Will said, “This might be the biggest most diverse group of talent we’ve had at one time in the drum line … That fellowship - I don’t think I’ll have anything like that again. Some of the guys in that group, I’ve been friends with them since kindergarten. Getting to spend hours everyday with them while getting to do something that I love; it’s awesome.” Taking classes in flight school at Johnson County Executive’s Alpha Pilot Academy, he follows a

“Luckily, you don’t really need the doors to fly a plane,”

8 [Senior Issue ‘16]

“I got my first drum set when I was only two years old,”

tradition which goes back generations. As an US Army medic, his grandfather eventually had the opportunity to learn how to fly a plane. His father, too, learned how to fly. Ironically, the same man who taught his grandfather tested Will for his own license. “It’s just something that ran in the family, I guess … when I started flying I fell in love with it. It just kind of came together,” Will said. At seventeen he flew his first solo flight from here to Topeka and back. “That was an incredible feeling…just looking down. When the Chiefs were playing there were a couple times when I got to fly over their games.” While exhilarating, flying has its risks. He said, “You’ve got to be confident, because it’s intimidating going up there.” Once, he flew over to Miami County because they have a barbecue restaurant and Will and his flight instructor wanted to get lunch. “On the way back, he forgot to lock his door. So mid-flight, his door flew open and the windows shattered and everything. Luckily, you don’t really need the doors to fly a plane … So that’s a fun story to tell,” Will said. Next year, Will plans to attend Kansas State University, where he’ll major in computer engineering with a minor in aerospace. As the single recipient of the Air Force Commander Type 1 scholarship at his university, his tuition, books, and other fees are covered. “I was chosen as that kid. When I graduate college, I’ll receive a commission as an officer in the Air Force.” While certain he’ll do at least five years in the Air Force after getting his degree, what else happens for Will depends on if he gets a position within the Air Force that allows one to pilot or man an aircraft. He said, “If I don’t get a pilot slot – because those are super competitive – then I’ll just do my five years and we’ll see what happens from there.” Natalie Friend

Ahna Valdez’s Senior Picture Courtesy of Ahna Valdez

ominated as one of 21 students in Johnson County, Ahna Valdez earned first place in the Shooting Stars scholarship contest for Visual Arts. She currently has a piece of art in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. She enjoys using reference material, picking out every little color and putting it in her painting. “Art is my whole life… I’ve been doing it for forever, and it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. It’s a way to express yourself, and show how you feel in words I can’t describe...” Valdez said. Valdez will attend the Maryland Institute College of Art next year and wants to major in illustration. “I really want to do concept art or character design for video game companies or movie companies,” she said. Ten years from now, she hopes to accomplish her goal of working as an illustrator. Multiple high school experiences qualify as Valdez’s favorite. She liked working with the National Honors Society and National Art Honors Society, such as helping with the Neon Run, working on the school mural, and going on field trips with the National Art Honors Society. On top of this, she will miss all of the friends she made and all of the fabulous teachers she met, but is excited to explore a new place. For this reason, she wanted to go out of state for college. “Right now, I’m really excited about college and meeting other art people and I guess being more involved in the art community… I’m really excited to work and make a job out of art,” she said. Valdez speaks through her art rather than verbally. Outside of the world of art, Valdez participates in dance, Tae Kwon Do, and community service such as acting as an assistant teacher in a dance class for women with special needs. If she could go back in time to give her freshman self advice, she would tell herself to get more involved in the art community at Olathe East. “I’ve made a lot of friends and learned a lot from that [community],” said Valdez.

“Art is my joy when times are good, and my refuge when they’re not.”

Valdez at one year old Courtesy of Ahna Valdez

Ahna Valdez

Will Compton

Photos Courtesy of Will Compton

One of Valdez’s recent paintings called “What Will We Become?” Courtesy of Ahna Valdez

Ryann Smith

[Senior Issue ‘16] 9

make it your own, and with someone just playing the marimba, magine this: You have the job of center [marching] snare, one you can tell that they have their own style and identity when they of the most important instruments in the marching band. play it,” Frieze said. Many percussionists desire to have this title in their respected Of his four-year high school career, Frieze said that his favorite high school marching band. Zach Frieze, a three-year member year was his senior year. of the Olathe East Drum line, and the Orange and Blue Brigade, “[This year] was my favorite because Bands of America [In St. held the position of center snare his senior year, and was a fourLouis], and Indianapolis. Being a part of the first [Percussion] year member of the Night Hawks Jazz Band. ensemble from Olathe to go to nationals. And going to All-State Early in his elementary career, Zach had a feel for music that with [Junior] Andrew Wray, and all those people. And building still continues to this day. up to my senior year, I thought “I started in 5th grade, at Regency Place Elementary School. “I strive for musicality, individuality, that we were a close group of this year and hung out; it When I started, I wanted to play being expressive, and making music friends was a nice experience,” Frieze said. trumpet. But, I couldn’t get a your own. That is what makes music Zach has many people in his life sound out of it, so I did percussion, and it turned out great. I special. [Music] is a universal language for his support: mother, father, sisters, friends, instructors. However, wanted to play drums when I was that everyone can understand and has a very close relationship really young, in first grade, but it appreciate, but you can go and make it he with one of his teachers at East, didn’t fly with my parents. [So] your own.” and one in particular. in 5th grade, I finally convinced “Mr. Smikahl [is an influence them to let me play drums and to me]. When something goes wrong, either in my personal life I ended up loving it. Then I just got better and better as I went,” or if I ever have a question about something, I know I can rely Frieze said. on him to answer it for me. And he is like a second dad to me,” Every musician has a style, and Zach explained his music Frieze said. philosophy when he performs. Frieze will continue his educational “I strive for musicality, individuality, career at The University Of Kansas in the being expressive, and making music fall. While there, he will also continue his your own. That is what makes music music career in KU’s band programs. special. It is a universal language that “I will be doing music education as my everyone can understand and appremajor, and will be playing in the marchciate, but you can go and make it your ing band, percussion ensemble, and own. Then people can recognize that concert band in college,” Frieze said. you made it your own, and see that it is Frieze notes these final words to live unique. That [is] why composers are so by: “It’s not who you are underneath, but famous because they did something that what you do defines you. And I feel like no one has never done before,” Frieze this is important because, you can be a said. really nice person underneath. [HowevMany people will identify Zach as the er], people don’t know that unless you center snare. However, in the years past show them that.” he has played: drum set, bongos, timpa“I feel like you should get out there, ni, vibes, xylophone, and marimba. and do what you want. Life is too short to “My favorite instrument [outside be anything but happy, you should go out of marching snare], would have to be there and do what makes you happy, no Marimba. This year we did Sculpture matter how crazy it sounds to other peoin Wood, which is a four-person mallet ple. Do that for your job. Do what you ensemble. The level of detail you can go love, that is all that matters,” Frieze said. into the music on the page, in general with marimba, you can make it what’s Jacob Stofer more than on the page. You can literally do that with any instrument. You can

Photos Courtesy John Frieze

Olathe East Class of ‘16

elina Liu achieved a perfect score in one attempt of the ACT and in two attempts of the SAT, but she proves to be more than just a number in all aspects of her high school

career. Liu admits that she did not always consider herself good at standardized tests, but that both of the standardized tests have recognizable formats and questions. Practice tests given throughout high school helped her become familiarized with the demanding college admissions tests the best. She will study for a double major in mathematics and economics at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Liu said that, “She appreciates how the University has an equal acceptance of social life and rigorous courses to enhance her education value.” Liu had to make the decision between her acceptances to the University of Kansas, Emory University, and the University of Pittsburg in Pennsylvania to go to college. Ultimately, Vanderbilt University’s temperate weather and scholarship opportunities sealed the deal to move Liu to the South. Meeting new people excites her the most, as she has already met her roommate for next year. A few other graduates from Olathe East will attend Vanderbilt in the fall, as well. Liu’s older sister also attended Vanderbilt University. Liu said that “All of the people she has met going to the University are so awesome and diverse.” Slight nerves rise as she has never lived alone before, especially being out of state from her family, but she said that Nashville has similar enough cultural conditions to the Midwest that it shouldn’t be too big of an adjustment for her, especially since her older sister still has friends who live in Nashville. An avid crafter, Liu can’t wait to decorate her dorm room while creating calligraphy as she prominently does in her spare time. Exploring a new city remains another task for her to do when she arrives on campus.. Besides school and learning, Selina Liu serves as the President of National Honor Society, an active member in Spanish National Society, and a four-year member of the Olathe East Lady Hawks Varsity Swim team, specializing at state in the 100 breaststroke and the 200 IM.

“Take time for you. High school is filled with things we “have” to do: homework, sports, and other extra-curricular activities. While those are all awesome and worthwhile, these four years will go by fast and you’ll never get them back, so make time every day/week to do something fun that you love, whether that be a hobby or hanging out with friends.” For high schoolers still in school, Liu shares her study tips by recommending to study in a way that best fits their own specific personality. For her, just reading notes done in class can be

10 [Senior Issue ‘16]

sufficient, but for some people they need to make studying more visual or audio related. Teachers, textbooks, YouTube make the best use of common learning resources, but she says not to be afraid to use all and any other resources available. AP Stats, Spanish classes, and AP Psychology were credited by Liu as some of her favorite classes at Olathe East. Blythe Dorrian

Selina Liu

Zach Frieze

Olathe East Class of ‘16

Photos Courtesy of Selina Liu

[Senior Issue ‘16] 11

Olathe East Class of ‘16

Olathe OlatheEast EastClass Classofof‘16 ‘16

East as well as football. Coach Ash encouraged him to join the track team his sophomore year. “A couple of us that year joined and after that we got more and more people. At first there was…[about]...15 people and now there’s…[about]...40 people,” said Burris. Burris also took part in the Leadership 21st Century Program and he helped with charities in the program. “The charities we did were Project Change and in the district there’s Northland Wood’s Support Center. They help the less fortunate in our district, and a couple of my friends’ parents have charities,” Burris said. At Kansas State, he plans to take classes to become a pediatrician for his future career. “I honestly see myself being in school for ten years. I want to come back and go to UMKC after I graduate from K-State,” Burris said. After Burris graduates from UMKC, he aspires to establish his practice and start his life. “Maybe ten years from now, I’ll start a family.” Burris said. “I’m going to miss everyone. I know I’m going to see most of the guys but there’s some people I know are moving away. I’ve created some bonds probably going to miss that. I’m going to miss being young. Feeling you’re invincible and getting to do anything you want,” Burris said.

“I want to have financial security. I just want to build up a strong foundation, and that’s what my family’s did for me. My dad talks all the time saying the son should be better than the father.”

“I want to be a teacher because I want to make a difference in people’s lives and the lives of my students.”

members in hopes the club will continue after she graduates. She has worked with fourth, first, and eighth grade classes this year through the Future Teacher Club and found the experience very rewarding. “I heard about it because I wanted to do some kind of volunteering in the classroom, but I wasn’t in the ECHO program (an East class offered to those with an intention to teach)… and I learned about this whole club I didn’t really know about with really good opportunities,” Mauer said. Acting as co-president of the Journey’s Club, a club that

writes science articles for a nationwide magazine, and a volunteer teacher for religion classes at her church, she assumes leadership roles that prepare her for the classroom style. At East she is not only involved with musicals, NHS, and SNHS at East, but also dances and tutors kids outside of school. Emily plans to attend the University of Kansas with a degree in education and because she found her passion a young age, she is able to prepare for the realities and benefits of teaching. With her love of teaching, she can make a difference in the world, one student at a time.

Emily Mauer

Wesley Burris

arsity long snapper for Olathe East, Wesley Burris plans to attend Kansas State University next year and will focus on majoring in biology. Burris started playing football in the second grade and felt interested in playing because his father also played football. “I remember there was a pamphlet dropped off at Heatherstone and I went home and I said, ‘Dad, I want to play football,’ so that’s how it started,” said Burris. Burris grew up in a supportive environment for playing football. He also has made multiple friends and built up a healthy lifestyle. This sport served as a stress reliever as well. “We played Gardner my sophomore season and there was one game we won by 40 points. That’s my favorite game I played in; that’s probably my favorite memory of high school,” Burris said. During high school, Burris participated in the varsity track at

t a young age, parents inquire their children what career they would like to pursue in the future, and for most students, their answers fluctuate greatly between their years of elementary school and high school. For Emily Mauer, her dream of becoming a teacher has stayed constant throughout the years, her passion originating in first grade. Her natural aptitude and compassion when working with children are a perfect fit for a teaching position. “I want to be a teacher because I want to make a difference in people’s lives and the lives of my students,” Mauer said. Growing up, she drew inspiration from previous teachers, especially those who made her least favorite subjects enjoyable and intriguing. If she ever doubts her dream to become a teacher, she can recall the teachers that have made a strong impact on her life and remember why she is deciding to become a teacher. Aside from following her passion, Mauer’s hard work is paying off as she takes steps now to prepare her for the teaching world, like bringing back the Future Teachers Club. She took the initiative to seek out a club that offered volunteering experience in a classroom and, as president of the club this year, she has made effective strides to gain more

Hannah Cruise

Margo Dulny

12 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Photos Courtesy of Wesley Burris

Photos Courtesy of Emily Mauer

[Senior Issue ‘16] 13

Olathe East Class of ‘16

Photo shoot by Taylor Lamb, the cinematographer for Tech9

14 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Photo shoot by Kenneth Levine in February

yan Njenga, one of Olathe East’s most vibrant seniors, has survived high school by making sure that his unique personality is stamped wherever he goes and that his legacy of eccentricities will not be soon forgotten. Notable for his involvement in numerous theater productions, his trombone position in the band and soft-drink entrepreneurship, Ryan’s take on life is embodied in his academic and social life, and those very endeavors have made his name something of a legend through these halls. “My wig from freshman year, which is really what brought me to popularity, my twitter, my crazy hats and my legally-questionable out-of-locker soda business” are what Ryan credits for his farcical status here at Olathe East. “These pursuits are born out of my personality, not a quest for attention, a boredom with ordinary life and trying to add some semblance of fun or weirdness to everything,” Ryan said about his claims to fame. “Weirdness can bring a lot of happiness to people’s life.”

“Ultimately, the life lesson learned from high school is to have fun and to quote Dazed and Confused - ‘Keep on Livin,’” Ryan Njenga has plans beyond his high school legacy, though. “I hope to become a filmmaker.” Ryan has experimented with short film making – writing and directing the short films “Out of the Garden and Into the East” and “Mansions of Cardboard”. Ryan describes those efforts as “learning steps to the bigger picture” “I’ve always wanted to tell stories. I’ve always loved the ability to express myself through this medium (cinema),” Ryan said. Possibly Ryan’s most impressive legacy was that of his ridiculous soda consumption in the year of 2015. Njenga kept track of how many cans of soda he drank, and when the year had concluded the tally had reached a whopping 1,787 sodas. Ryan’s self-admitted soft drink addiction has been the subject of much farce surrounding his character, but he has reasons for continuing down this seemingly hugely unhealthy lifestyle choice. “My doctor’s say I have perfect health. I do it mainly because it keeps me aware of the people and things around me. It allows me to be a better person to be around,” Ryan said. As Ryan’s drink of choice became synonymous with his personality, he decided to capitalize on the beverage as well. Ryan has run a soda-selling business out of his locker for over a year now, and the profits keep coming in. Photos Courtesy of Ryan Njenga

“I realized I had the ability to bring soda to school, for myself, but people started asking me for some, so I started charging one dollar and it became a business. The goal was never even to make a profit, just to break even, but the profit’s pretty nice too.” Ryan plans to attend the University of Kansas next semester to study film. After one year at KU however, he plans to transfer to a more serious film school, hopefully one on the West Coast. Ryan already has fond memories of high school, and it’s safe to say he made the most out of it. “It was a great way to make human connections. I had fun and I think I learned a lot about life. Ultimately the life lesson I learned from high school is to have fun and, to quote ‘Dazed and Confused’ – ‘keep on livin’,” Ryan said.

Ryan Njenga

Hailey Young

Hailey Young when she was about four years old

Photo shoot by Kenneth Levine with designs by Natasha Shangari he young photogenic President Roosevelt and “Don’t be kinda bold. Be bold. I don’t know model, Hailey Young she was really cool. She was walks toward graduation who said that - I read it in this book that we another person that did what after attending Olathe East all she wanted, she wore pants and had to read for English one time, called On everyone was like ‘whoa Alice four years of high school being very involved at OE. “I do lots Writing Well. I know this is talking about writ- calm down.’ She got kicked out of modeling and school,” Young the White House a couple of ing, but I’m going to take this to heart and put of said. times but she ended up being this in my real life.” She has participated in this really cool person later theatre since seventh grade; “I on during all these political would have to say my favorite experience of high school was being things,” Young said. able to play my dream role in my dream show The Drowsy ChaperIn the rare case of her getting stuck on an island with only three one,” Young said. items she would bring “a boat full of cereal so that I could go away “Don’t be kinda bold. Be bold. I don’t know who said that I read on the boat and a water purifier and then you would have all this it in this book that we had to read for English one time called On cereal.” Riding Well. I know this is talking about writing, but I’m going to “I won’t miss a whole lot about high school, but I will miss my take this to heart and put this in my real life.” friends and seeing them everyday. I will miss the teachers and I Her super power of choice would be flying. “Flying is cool getting will probably have a lot of free time, so I will probably get bored a to places so fast, great for the environment plus [I] don’t have to lot easier. I don’t know what it’s like to not be busy,” Young said. pay for ticket,” said Young. Though she will miss people she looks forward to “Going to go “I love to sing, I love to be the center of attention, and it’s a wonand do my own thing, be my own person and start shaping my derful way of expression,” she said. life,” she said. As for her regrets, she said,“Procrastinating a lot of things and Hailey Young will be attending the University of Kansas next fall not being able to get things perfect,” she said. still unsure of her major, but along the lines of biology or chemisAdvice that can be used no matter how old would be, “Be your try. own person and don’t follow the crowd. Following everyone else is In ten years expect to see Hailey Young graduating again. “I see lame; who likes that?” Young said. myself just getting out of medical school and in Oregon with my Alice Roosevelt is not only the daughter of the past presihairless cat which I just adopted. Starting adult life kinda late in the dent but Young’s role model. “Alice Roosevelt is the daughter of game [but] you have to go through school first,” Young said. Addis Sharpe Photo shoot by Sasha Betzer in March

Olathe East Class of ‘16

Gavin Miller and Alexa Buechler

[Senior Issue ‘16] 15

Olathe East Class of ‘16 Grimes as a baby Courtesy of Dannie Grimes

Olathe East Class of ‘16 Grimes’ Senior Picture Courtesy of Dannie Grimes

annie Grimes, President of Gay Straight Alliance, recently renamed Gender Sexuality Alliance, had set a goal to unite the group. Grimes asked to use the gender-neutral pronouns “they.” They hoped they made a difference and helped better the community. They also plan to stay involved in the LGBTQA+ Community. Grimes wanted to branch out and connect with other schools as well as educate their own school on the LGBTQA+ Community. To accomplish this, the GSA Club would hold open club days. “People could come in and we’d talk about how we could make the school safer... If we can educate people today, it will make for a better tomorrow,” they said. Grimes thinks educating people on terms is important in order for people to stop insulting others for their gender or sexually. Early in the school year, they made a power-point explaining what all the community’s flags mean. “[GSA] means a lot. It means connecting with different people, getting to know who you are and who people in the club are, getting a better understanding of how people are,” said Grimes. Grimes wanted to join GSA to find themself, and they believe they succeeded. Out of all their favorite high school experiences, they most enjoyed the experience of meeting different people and teachers, and will miss those people. “I have to say my biggest inspiration would probably be my family [and] my friends who’ve stuck with me for so long,” Grimes said. They will not, however, miss waking up early, and as any senior could agree, they have too many regrets to count. After high school, Grimes is going to attend Johnson County Community College, and then transfer to Kansas State University to study veterinary medicine. In ten years, they see themself in a four-year K-State Veterinary program. They hope to earn a degree in large animal medicine. “I’ve always had a love for animals, plus they are nicer than people,” they said. Grimes also dabbled in athletics. “I played bowling for three years because my family made me... I need a sport that doesn’t make me exercise,” they said. Grimes enjoyed bowling. Their teammates made the sport fun for Grimes while the coaches could sometimes be a pain to the students. In the end, the team came out on top. Once school ends, they want to see where the road takes them. They do not know where that may be, but they are excited nonetheless. “Even if it seems like a bad idea, go for it anyway. You only got one life, so live it to its fullest,” Grimes would tell their freshman self. Ryann Smith

16 [Senior Issue ‘16]

“If no one comes back from the future to stop you from doing it, then how bad of a decision can it really be?”

Grimes with next year’s GSA co-presidents Allen Winn and Dean Fry Courtesy of Ryann Smith

someone recommended Guatemala. Then I was adopted by my family and moved here.” Although Papedo was too young at the time to remember this, These events have left a lasting impact on his life. Because of this experience he grew up with two Caucasian parents which, according to him, has brought up some comedic conversation. “To other people it’s kind of weird. Like if I invite a friend over they’re like ‘Why are your parents white?’ And I’m like ‘Stuff happens man.’ One time I got someone to believe that brown was really recessive in my parent’s genes,” said Papedo. He, however, is not the only one in his family with this unusual difference. His sister, adopted from Guatemala, joined the family after her parents gave her up for adoption. “She’s the same age as me. I’m two months older, so we are in the same grade too. It’s kind of like we’re twins. We are twins who were born from different parents and are now in the same adopted family.” Papedo does not let his past define him. He has numerous interests ranging from small metal model building to technological repair. He participated in the Biotech club for a period of time and has done small projects such as television repair. He hopes to turn his interest in technology into a career in electrical engineering. His plan is to go to JCCC and then transfer to KU after a couple of years. Papedo does not know where his steps after college will lead him, but as he prepares for this next chapter in his life, he is saddened by the place he will leave behind. “I don’t know if I’ll leave an impact, but this school has really impacted me. The teachers here are really nice, like Mrs. Swyers, who’s kind of weird sometimes, but really nice. Also the whole environment of Olathe is great. I don’t feel in danger when I’m out and about. I’m going to miss this environment.” From Guatemala to right here in Kansas, Christos Papedo has found a place to call home and a future filled with promise.

“I don’t know if I’ll leave an impact, but this school has really impacted me.”

Christos Papedo

Dannie Grimes

he world can be a dangerous place for people of all ages, but for babies who cannot defend themselves it gets even worse. Many parents worry about their children being snatched up from their front yard or while walking home, but imagine if they were stolen from the hospital where they were born. For senior Christos Papedo this was his childhood reality. “I was born Photos Courtesy of Christos Papedo in Guatemala in a Guatemalan hospital, but a few days after I was born, according to my parents, I was kidnapped from the hospital by a man,” Papedo said. Luckily a Good Samaritan discovered this and acted out of concern. He said, “After that a nun noticed, and this is a nun who runs an orphanage, and she took them into court and fought for custody of me and like seven other kids who were also kidnapped. So she won and was able to get custody of me.” Meanwhile an American couple busily tried to adopt a child of their own. Papedo said, “My mom couldn’t have children. She was infertile, so then they looked into adopting from somewhere else, and

Jacob Wilson

[Senior Issue ‘16] 17

Olathe East Class of ‘16

Abbey Sigler

Photos Courtesy of Abbey Sigler

f you have ever entered the band room here at Olathe East, chances are you have heard of Abbey Sigler, current head drum major of the Orange and Blue Brigade, a twoyear member of the Kansas All State Band, and according to her friends, just a very funny and motivated person. According to Sigler, music has always ruled as a major part of her life and at 17 she can proudly play almost 10 instruments including, but not limited to, the piano, flute, drums, piccolo, oboe and ukulele. “There is something special about the way music feels, and the emotions it can create in you. There are so many different possibilities with music; it’s kind of endless,” Sigler said. Sigler has remained involved with the band program here at East since her freshman year and has loved every moment of being in the program on and off the field. “In 8th grade, I went to my first OE football game, and I saw the marching band. My friend Blake Thomas was conducting, and the show was [called] “Robots”…I’d never seen a marching band before, and I just instantly loved it. I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” she said. Besides band, Sigler also participates in NHS, SNHS, and Writing Center where she serves as the Historian. In addition, she plays in the pit orchestra for OE school musicals, as well as the worship band at her church. Oh, and she likes to bake cupcakes. Being partaking in so much would make any high school student stressed, but, for Sigler, her struggle has been more difficult than most. Last year, she started having extreme, unbearable pains in her back, so she got an MRI. Which revealed that she needed to receive a procedure on her back immediately. “It really restricts what I can and can’t do, and even more than that what I am supposed to be doing,” Sigler said. “There will be times where I will get really frustrated because I can’t do most social activities now. I can’t go bowling or skating, and really I’m not supposed to lift stuff either. That’s what gets me sometimes and can hurt me a lot. Sometimes I’ll get so frustrated from asking people, you know, ‘can you carry this’, ‘can

18 [Senior Issue ‘16]

you pick this up’, that I’ll just be like ‘it’s just a stupid box. I can pick it up myself ’, and then I do it, and I end up

hurting myself.” Since her first operation, Sigler has undergone that same procedure seven times to help stop the pain, which has never really gone away. “Most people have two [procedures] in their whole life and they are fine, so we [my family and I] are kind of concerned,” she said. Sigler and her family remain optimistic though, as she has just undergone major back surgery and expects to make a full recovery. “I’m actually kind of excited because it’s supposed to totally help and I’ll be fine and not have any more problems,” she said. Despite her struggles, Sigler remains positive, using quotes like, “My scars tell a story; they are a reminder of times when life tried to break me, but failed. They are markings of where the structure of my character was welded” and her favorite Bible verse Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart…forever,” to help keep her uplifted. “This past year was really rough for me,” she said. “But stuff like this help remind me that my “scars” make me who I am, and I like who I am.” Next year, Abbey will attend the University of Kansas where she will major in music education with plans of becoming a band director, flute teacher, and drill writer after graduating. “I love music, band especially, and I know it’s kind of dying off in some areas, so I want to help teach it and get more people excited about band,” Sigler said. Although the people she leaves behind at Olathe East will miss her, they know wherever Abbey goes she will work hard while continuing to chase her passion for music.

“There is something special about the way music feels, and the emotions it can create in you. There are so many different possibilities with music; it’s kind of endless.”

ameron Hunter is no ordinary senior. His successful basketball career at Olathe East has set him apart from many other students. His passion of the game makes him stand out from the rest of the student body. “My motivation right now is basketball because that’s how I’m going to move on in my life and start the next chapter in my life, so that’s what motivates me,” Hunter said, “I plan on going to North Dakota State University to play basketball, and that was probably the best decision for me and my family.” Playing basketball all four years and soccer for two really gave Hunter a different outlook on high school than most of the students here at East. The one thing that is on Hunter’s mind is starting his career at NDSU, and his plans for school. “I plan to major in either education or computer science; I still haven’t decided yet,” Hunter stated, “Everybody always says it’s the best years of your life so why not be ready [for college].” Hunter works very hard to keep both of the dreams alive. “[My favorite part of high school is] Man, my friends and the basketball, they’ve both had a huge impact on me,” Hunter said, “My friends, especially my guy friends are like literally family and like brothers to me and I wouldn’t know what to do without them.”

Hunter had a massive impact on the basketball program, leading them to an astounding 51-16 record and three trips to Wichita [state tournament] as a varsity player. Leading the basketball team to a prosperous period at East was one of Hunter’s many appreciable qualities in him. “Man, ever since I was little, everyone has told me that I am a leader,” Hunter said, “Whether it be on the court even or if I’m playing, coaching, in the community, helping the community, just be a good person.” Not everything is always easy in life, and adversity can lead some astray from their goals, but Hunter persevered through some tough times. “At times I was like ‘I didn’t know if I wanted to play basketball anymore, I felt like I was getting away from what I truly loved about basketball’,” Hunter said, “Then I talked to my teammates, who are basically my brothers, and they switched it around; they sent me on that right path.” This occurred around the middle of the season, close to Hunter’s soon commitment date to North Dakota State, a life-changing step in his life. “It’s every athlete’s dream to play at the next level, and I was blessed to have that opportunity,” Hunter said, “You have to work for it though like this is not going to come easy.” Hunter worked extremely hard to get where he wanted to go, and advises the class of 2016 to do the same in whatever they may do. “If you want something, you have to go get it, you have to work for it and it’s not as easy as it seems, and even if you’re going to school you just have to keep up with your work and work for your goal that you want to achieve.” Hunter has become an outstanding representation of diligence and what it can accomplished, and he wishes only the best for his fellow classmates. “The class of 2016 is the best class ever, and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Hunter said. “Every single person impacted me in different way and I couldn’t thank this class enough for that.” Ben Kohl

“It’s every athlete’s dream to play at the next level, and I was blessed to have that opportunity,”

Jordan Meier

Photos Courtesy of Cameron Hunter

Cameron Hunter

Olathe East Class of ‘16

[Senior Issue ‘16] 19

f you have ever watched a track or cross country meet, you probably have seen the fabulous hair of Nick Skinner, trailing behind him as he runs with some of the best in the state. However, for Nick, he changed monumentally in high school. The story of Nick Skinner begins across state lines, in Ozark, Missouri. “Ozark freshman year, I was still in that phase where I was still trying to fit in,” Skinner said. “When I moved, even though I didn’t want it, it was a chance to reinvent myself, and be someone who I wanted to be. “ Fitting in was difficult at first, but for Skinner being involved in cross-country and choir, he quickly made friends. “I’m a little weird, I’m a little crazy at times,” Skinner said laughing, “I chilled out a little bit, and I was able to be who I was.” Back in Ozark for cross-country, comparatively, he ran not nearly as quick as he is now, being the third fastest runner for them. Now, for his speed as the top runner for Olathe East, he attributes to the coaches. “The coaches in Ozark didn’t really know what they were doing. When I moved here, I got a lot faster due to the coaching,” Skinner said. “The coaching was a huge, huge difference coming

“Running is a very self-motivated sport; you just have to keep going by yourself. No one is going to be there watching or looking, so running helped me be self-motivated,”

20 [Senior Issue ‘16]

here.” But sometimes the motivation for improvement not only comes from outside, but from within. “The more I think about it, I wasn’t really trying hard. Before junior year, I realized that I needed to step it up out there; guys who were not even thinking about it were dusting me. It was an inner-thing where I was like ‘I need to stop being lazy, and I need to start working hard,’” Skinner said. But even as he made advances on the track and for cross-country, he made strides within the classroom as well. “Freshman year [in Ozark], I was getting awful grades. I had like four D’s or five D;s, and part of the inner motivation was when [Coach] Daniels sent me stuff saying like ‘we have high GPAs,’” Skinner said, “I thought ‘Man, I’m really going to bring that down and whatever.’” Since coming to Olathe East, Skinner has improved his grades, never getting a D since, and only one C. “Running is a very self-motivated sport, you just have to keep going by yourself. No one is going to be there watching or looking, so running helped me be self-motivated,” Skinner said, “I devote a lot of time to running, and all of my choices tie back into what I’m doing later. I watch what I say and do, because everything I say or do reflects back to our team.” However, Skinner rules the final rung of singing Skinner ladder. As the youngest of five boys who all did choir, “It’s just something that runs in our blood.” Skinner attributes some of the major influences in high school for him are God, his friends, and Jamie Waechter, his girlfriend. “I’ve been with her since the end of sophomore year, and she’s really helped with my high school experience and everything. She lets me be who I am and accepts me, and I try to do the best I can for her too.” As of right now, Skinner is undecided on where he is going to run, but either plans on majoring in business or exercise science. God speed Nick.

Olathe East Class of ‘16

ost high school seniors have pictured their lives ten years from now, an exact plan for the rest of their lives. Senior Emily Schukai lives in the now, not worried about what is to come. She thinks peacefully about the unpredictability of life . “I am okay with whatever my life will hold, but I want to look back and be happy about it,” Schukai said. Schukai plans to attend Loyola-Marymount University in Los Angeles in the fall to major in communications. Because she wants to pursue the dance world, Schukai chose LA. Currently, Schukai dances on the Varsity Talons Dance Team at Olathe East. “I have been dancing my whole life. My mom was like any typical mother and had me take dance classes. I ended up loving it. I played soccer and softball throughout grade school, but those sports started to get in the way of dance. In sixth grade, my mom asked me if I’d want to go soccer practice or dance class. That’s when I decided dance was what I was going to do. One of my dance instructors junior year helped me plan where the best place for me to go for commercial dance is, and that’s LA,” Schukai said. Dance is not Schukai’s only passion. She also enjoys photography and music. “I would love to do something with photography. A major in communications can help me do that. Music has also been big for me. I play the guitar,” Schukai said.

Schukai won many accomplishments throughout high school including being on President’s Honor Roll, National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, and Kansas Honors. She also served as a Hawk Leader Executive her senior year. However, Schukai believes that the accomplishment itself is not as important as the work it took to get there. “My parents were always so happy when I’d get an academic award, but I didn’t care as much. To me, it’s just a piece of paper. Many of these awards are for community service, and that means so much more to me. Getting good grades shouldn’t be awarded because it’s expected,” Schukai said. Besides being on the dance team, Schukai’s favorite memory from East was becoming best friends with Deanie Chen. “In my French II class sophomore year, this complete stranger who sat in front of me drew a picture of a cactus every day on my paper without saying a word. I honestly thought

Emily Schukai

Nicholas Skinner

Olathe East Class of ‘16

Emily and her brother, Thomas. this was rather annoying, but soon we started to talk. We became instant friends and have been ever since. That’s probably my most memorable high school memory,” Schukai said. Schukai finds inspiration in her brother Thomas who passed away last year. “Thomas taught me that it’s okay to be different or a little weird. He showed me that there isn’t a normal; everyone is their own kind of different. I’m getting a tattoo that says ‘Be Weird’ in his honor,” Schukai said. Being with the people at East will cause the most nostalgia after graduation for Schukai. “Some of my best friends have been with me since kindergarten. It’ll be so different without all of them in my life every day,” Schukai said.

“Thomas taught me that it’s okay to be different or a little weird. He showed me that there isn’t a normal; everyone is their own kind of different.”

Logan Brockschmidt Photos Courtesy of Emily Schukai

Kaitlyn Shacklett

[Senior Issue ‘16] 21

Olathe East Class of ‘16

22 [Senior Issue ‘16]

“It came in a golden envelope since it’s the ‘Golden Griffin,’ so it’s probably the most exciting mail I’ve ever gotten,”

Photos Courtesy of Shae Delancy

“Always give people a chance to express themselves because without their true expression, you’ll never really get to know them.”

I away again,’ a I know that’s really confusing because on social media you can’t give a whole story; you only have so many characters to say ‘help me find my sister,’” Shae said. Shae’s family consists of her and four other siblings among them three were adopted from Russia. Shae’s younger sister became diagnosed a disorder known as RAD or Reactive Attachment Disorder, something that commonly runs among adopted children. “Basically adopted children that went through so much trauma have this attachment problem where kids with this feel attached to the wrong people so instead of feeling attached to adopted families they feel attached to people like teachers. So there’s like an anger towards the adopted family because they feel like they were pulled from their other family,” Shae said. Due to her sisters RAD the family concluded it to best to pull the sister out of school, which resulted in another mess of problems. Along with the struggles of keeping the sister in the house, the family faced several problems in professionals trying to help the family but several more complications ensued as result. The family has been through so much, but the issues are slowly starting to work themselves out. Shae’s life doesn’t always revolve around school and family events though, while in high school she has been in the 4H Club and was awarded the Girl Scout gold award, which is the most prestigious one can earn. But for college Shae is looking most forward to performing in marching band. “I’ve stayed in band because marching is weird, and sometimes it’s tiring, and sometimes I complain about how hard it is but in the end I really do enjoy marching band it just adds so much more excitement to the normal band of just sitting in a chair,” Shae said. She cannot wait for college, marching band, and making new friends next year at her new school. Nikki Lansford

f you happen to see a guy with a pineapple sweatshirt on, ask him to build you a house. His name is Avery and he might actually do it out of the goodness of his heart. Not only is he exceptional at environmental design, but also he just really loves to do such things. Ever since his freshman year, he had been apart of Olathe East’s environmental design program. Now, Avery spends two hours of his school day learning and preparing himself for the future of design. A member of Technology Students Association (TSA) and first place recipient of competitions such as Spaces of Hope, he intends to make the most of his time in the program before graduation. “In environmental design, I love the way you get to express yourself and show it to the world.” Avery said. For him, design is a way to interact with those around him and even help others with their disabilities. “We do a lot of different design work, engineering, and even building devices that will help disabled workers to do their job better,” Avery said. Working together with his classmates from environmental design, Avery has learned valuable life skills as well as leadership.

“What we do is called mock firms and each person will have their own jobs like lead, architect, interior architect, and basically you’ll work as a team to get stuff done. It’s a lot of practice for what you’ll see in the real world” In addition to environmental design, Avery gives to the community through National Honor Society and is an officer of Spanish National Honor society. He maintains a high grade point average while staying active as well. Together with his partner, Jake Byrd, Avery made it to 11th place at state for tennis his sophomore year and continued to excel in the sport throughout his high school career. He plans on attending Kansas State University and continuing to further advance his skills as an architecture major. Moreover, Avery is interested in expressing himself in projects such as small commercial and residential building and even airport architecture. Although he is still considering his options for the future, it is certain that he will continue to work hard towards his goal, charming others with his design, and never hesitating to be himself. Amy Du

Avery Don

Shae Delancy

n band she is known for her love of marching season and her enjoyment of flannel Friday. In school she is the girl that got that scholarship. And on social media she is noted for her rather humorous and often punny tweets and Instagram descriptions. Shae Delancy’s life consists not just of puns and games though; she has made plans for her future and is well on her way towards making them happen. In the fall Shae will attend Missouri Western State University, a place she first visited when participating in an activity she has done for years at Olathe East. “Sophomore year for a band competition we went down there and it was really cold and the bathrooms were really far away from where the buses parked but I still thought it was a really pretty campus. So junior year when I started my college search that was top of the list” Shae said. Once Shae fully committed to the school she then became eligible for their honors program and within that program students qualify for a hefty scholarship called the Golden Griffin. “Basically it is $40,000 over four years so $10,000 a year, and it includes free housing for me in the nice upperclassmen honors dorm so it’s a pretty sweet scholarship,” Shae said. Shae spent weeks writing an essay in which she relayed thoughts over the moral obligations people endure when confronting to stop bullying. After sending in the essay she received some joyous news. “It came in a golden envelope since it’s the ‘Golden Griffin,’ so it’s probably the most exciting mail I’ve ever gotten,” Shae said. Shae would later go on to receive six other scholarships throughout her senior year including the Faculty Hawk scholarship. Shae’s twitter is not always full of punny jokes though; several challenges followed Shae this year with her and her family. And unfortunately her main source of getting information out about the event relied on social media. “I’m sure a lot of people have heard about ‘oh my sister’s run

Olathe East Class of ‘16

Photos and designs courtesy of Avery Don

[Senior Issue ‘16] 23

Olathe East Class of ‘16

Olathe OlatheEast EastClass Classofof‘16 ‘16

Photos Courtesy of Elijah Hazim setting,” Hazim said. “Most of the time we have individual songs we’ve written and then we come together and teach other,”Hazim said. The band has had a songwriting session but have yet to

“Express yourself with your instrument. It shouldn’t be about what others do. Music is beautiful because it is an extension of you.”

how they will react to his original songs. The singer-songwriter Bright Eyes is his musical inspiration, “He is unique in his music, He doesn’t try to conform to like how other people play music,” Hazim said. The Movement of the Hand by Bright Eyes: one of Hazim’s favorite replay songs. “He has a lot of vivid imagery you can get a lot out of it every time you listen to it, I also like how it has different perspectives,” Hazim said. Hazim’s favorite venue to play at with the rock alternative band The City Collective is Homer’s Coffee house. “People can sit down. I like to talk to people. And it is not a concert

24 [Senior Issue ‘16]

play their song for an audience. Along with The City Collective, Hazim plays in a folksong group entitled Smorz with two experienced musicians. He also plays in two bands for his church and a jam band. The City Collective has also begun recording their first album: Songs from Rose Hill. “I like it a lot; it is nice to see how it sounds professionally when it’s mixed, It’s actually something I thought about going to business school with using computers and stuff, and looking into two year music programs, probably UMKC,” Hazim said. He plans to get a job to eventually pick up and support his music, and to continue music down his path somewhere in the future. As Elijah plans to move onto the next chapter of his life, he will not forget his high school experience and the many friends he has made along the way. He feels that music gives him an outlet to express himself. Melanie Eszter

ddy Milford lives and breathes dance. She performed on the California Trail Gold Dusters and before that on her studio team. Her participation in these teams guided her through her four years on the Olathe East Talons. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she braves early morning practices. But, it doesn’t end there. Occasionally, she must come in through the evenings and weekends. All of this practice she must juggle with a job at Santa Marta and school classes such as Interpersonal Skills. “It’s really stressful, and it’s year round. I don’t think a lot of sports at Olathe East are year round, and not a lot of people know that we do field show, dance, and Spring Show. We go to Nationals in Texas over spring break each year,” Milford said. Milford danced and competed with her studio until the stress regrettably forced her to quit sophomore year. “The worst part of drill team is trying to make every factor of your life work around it. You have to make everything balance with school and work and drill team, figuring how it all goes together,” she said. The reason behind her madness? Her friends. Milford said, “My favorite part about drill team is seeing my friends every morning and getting to be a team with my favorite people.” Milford plans on majoring in Special Education and minoring in dance at Kansas University. She won’t dance for the team because of all the stress, but she still wants to continue to learn and improve her dance skills. Why Special Education? Because Addy Milford is a student that helps out with the special education students here in a class called Interpersonal Skills or IPS. “I’ve been in IPS for two years here, and I got into it mainly because my mom thought it would be a fun class for me to take.

I didn’t really know how the special education community worked. I have learned about how they learn and grow just like us and about all of the different abilities that they have. Taking it was really rewarding. So, I think that’s the field for me. I just enjoyed it so much,” Milford said. Since she takes part in IPS, she also participates in the Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign. Milford said, “Spread the Word to End the Word is a national campaign ending the “R” word and its derogatory use. So whenever someone uses the R word, you can explain to him Photos Courtesy of Addy Milford or her how it offends people. We spread awareness that [special needs students] are just like us.” Campaigning has educated Milford, and she believes people should be educated as well. “I think our generation is really bad about using the R word, or calling someone a homosexual, or calling someone bipolar. People are mean about it,” she said. Both experiences have propelled Addy Milford into the role model of a student she is today and will continue to be in her bright future to come.

Addy Milford

Elijah Hazim

ach day is a gift to express yourself, with your actions, thoughts, words, and music. “I think music is like another language, it is how you express yourself,” Hazim said. Elijah Hazim is a songwriter, and a member of five bands: The City Collective, Smorz, Church, and Jam bands. Wolf enthusiast and Panda Express lover plans to major in computer IT technology at DeVry University for an Associates degree next fall. Hazim admires the saying: “Treat other how you want to be treated,” “I think that’s a good way, you like to be treated nicely then it helps with like everything else,” Hazim said. Hazim began his love of music in the fifth grade when he started playing percussion for the school band. He then made the switch from bass to electric. He has constantly been crafting his musical talents on bass and acoustic for about two years, ever since he decided to switch. He has also taken lessons at Spencer’s music school after his musical discovery. Hazim would tell his freshman self to calm down about high school, “I would get freaked out about small things,” Hazim said. “Life is bigger than high school, people see it as their reality, but high school is really different from life in general,” Hazim said. His biggest high school regret would be not being an open person in freshman or sophomore year. Hazim began writing poetry as a method of expression a while back. Regarding his transition from poetry to songwriting, “sometimes, when I write songs I get stuck, I have to back up and see it another perspective,” Hazim said. He has written 20 songs so far. He also began to learn about his audience and

“My favorite part about drill team is seeing my friends every morning and getting to be a team with my favorite people.”

Alexa Buechler

[Senior Issue ‘16] 25

Thank You Thank you Ms. Francis and Mrs. Greenstreet for valuable education and opportunity in my fields of interest. – Henry Cannon Thank you to Thuston for never getting my hopes too high – Connor Esparza I want to thank all of my classmates for showing me what’s really important to me – Brooklyn Robinson I wanna thank Mrs. Creek for encouraging me as I started playing Bass Clarinet (because I love it). – Laurie Bush Thanks to Ginger Ewonus for always being there to get me called out of school. – Emily Schukai Thank you Mr. Williams for keeping me in line and excusing my absences. – Ben Kohl

We Want You in Waterway Blue!

Thank you friends for not making school suck so much. – Jordan Reeder Thank you Mr. Mays for inspiring me each day and teaching me new things that I will always

CHAIRMAN OF THE DASHBOARD NOW HIRING ALL HOURLY POSITIONS FUN

DYNAMIC

GREAT BENEFITS

NO TITLE IS TOO BIG for the Waterway employees who spend their days making customers happy. If you are looking (or know someone looking) for a fun and dynamic job that’s loaded with benefits, look no further.

APPLY ONLINE 26 [Senior Issue ‘16]

www.waterway.com [Senior Issue ‘16] 37

carry with me. – Morgan Benson Thank you to Mrs. Meyers for always being there for me when I’ve had a bad day or just wanted to hang out and talk. – Samantha Mainord Thank you Shafer for “providing” theatre students in my life, if it weren’t for theatre, I don’t know what would’ve happened. – Farrah Karty Hank Daniels for expanding my mind. – Gavin Miller I want to thank my friend Maddie Greeley for giving me encouraging words. – Drew Wallace

I want to thank the girl’s basketball for the memories and friendships that we created and for the best three years of my life. – Emily Jasnoski Stan Spurlin: For teaching me I can improve everything through practice. – Courtney Cole

Thank you to Mrs. Francis and Mr. Stephens for pushing me into the leader I have become. Thank you to Mrs. Caslow for passing her love of sign onto me. – Kayla Goff I’d like to thank Cina Murray for showing me her bullet journal and saving my life in the process. – Emily Tucker Thank you Mr. Shafer and Mrs. Scheibler for being two amazing mentors to me in my path through the performing arts. You two have changed so many lives, including mine. – Brian Percival Thank you to all my teachers for showing me what I was capable of. – Michael Meier Thanks for letting me love God and love people in a place that needs love and hope. – Suzannah Burris Thank you Ms. Richard for being the real MVP for four years. – Zandt Durham Thank you to Ms. Meives for helping me not hate Spanish. – Joshua Ritch Thank you Jeff Smikal and Jennifer Creek for being such great teachers, mentors, and friends. – Matthew Hinkley Thank you to Haley Wagner for taking care of me. – Emma Shore Thank you, Ms. Vohs, for solving my life and sewing problems. – Haley Wagner

I want to thank Mr. Young for never letting me be lazy in his class, Mrs. Hill for trusting me and being a role model for me, and Mr. Umphrey for genuinely caring about every student. - Emily Wetzel Thank you Mrs. Goddard for being a great teacher and giving me a lot of fun memories that i have to look back on in debate and forensics. - Robert Schoonover Thanks to Mr. Goddard for teaching me to think on my feet and the constant (but hilarious) ribbing. - Annie Colwell Thank you so much Mrs. Etherton for being there for me and helping through the tough times I had junior year. Thanks for helping me work with teachers when they are hard to work with and helping me come to positive terms with the teachers so that I can keep my grades up and be the least stressed out as possible. - Andrew Reed Thank you Mr. Gunn for always believing in us even when we didn’t see it. Having a teacher like you for four years really inspired me everyday. - Mikaela Hoke Thank you Vohs for everything. - Abbey Bart I would like to thank Nathan Rapue. - Emily Blais Thank you Mr. Williams for being my teacher three out of four years. - Aaron Murray Thank you Swyers for being my BFF. - Ireland Fendrick Thank you Mrs. Quick for being the best, funniest, and nicest teacher I’ve ever had! You rock! - Julian Cooley Thank you Mrs. Richards for being my second mother and a supportive teacher. - Autumn Waldrop

Class

2016

Thank you Mr. Gunn for being an incredible, Godly influence in my life, and the lives of many other Olathe East students. - Kayla Davis Thank you to Mr. Umphrey. You have given me a much cleaner and broader aspect on life and in turn made me a better person. - Nick Lane

Mr. Young’s anatomy and psychology class changed the way I learn and made me realize I wanted to get into medicine next year. I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you. - Kayla Davis Mr. Goddard – thank you for being a huge influence in my life, for teaching me and the girls valuable life lessons, for sharing many laugh, and keeping me on track throughout the years. - Jenna Kor Thank you Mr. Shafer for all of your care and support all four years of high school. - Mitchell Walden I want to thank Mr. Umphrey for letting us play FIFA in his room during lunch. - Ryley Schools Thank you, Mr. Thuston, for nothing. – Scott Johns A big thanks to Mrs. Francis for supporting me through these four years and becoming more like a friend than a teacher. – Katelyn Struckle Thank to Mr. Daniels for helping me on assignments. – Cody Brady Thank you, Mrs. Swyers, for believing in me and supporting me in my drive to teach high school English. – Sarah Barletter Thank you to Mrs. Beck for having my back in every way for four straight years. – Jacob Ostertag

[Senior Issue ‘16] 27

Thank you Coach Youker, for reminding me to chop wood and haul water. –Selina Liu

Thank you Mrs. Stephens for making me love history. Thank you Richards for walking me through high school. Thank you Mrs. Ludwig for helping me express myself. – Madeline Ames

I would like to thank Mr. Stephenson for teaching me how to gut books, so I never have to read again. –Wade Rance

Thank you Harley Stewart, Zamantha Henriquez, and Taylor Vickers for keeping me sane, mostly. – Ellery Hoyt

I’d like to thank Mrs. Vohs for making me discover my love for design. – Abby Pfannenstiel Mrs. Nikoo-Manesh, thank you for always putting in your best effort to create students who are already ahead of the game when they come out of high school. You have given me and many others skills and advantages that will last a lifetime. – Billy Willson

Thank You

I thank all the teachers that genuinely helped. Who actually cared about their students. - Eric Olsen

Thank you to Brit, Ginger, Marianne, and everyone in the office staff for being like a second parent to me all four years of high school. –Samantha Diaz Thank you to Mr. Goddard for making m realize my passion for tech and for keeping our friend group together. – Baylee Morrell Thank you to Mr. Reynolds for never giving up on Diet Coke. – Quentin Goode Thank you to Mama B for inspiring me to pursue my dreams and always supporting me through these four years. – Jordan Meier

Thank you Ms. Swyers for giving me a chance, Mr. Larson for giving me a family of the toughest individuals and keeping me out of trouble, and Mr. Stephenson for teaching me how to be successful at leg riding. – Jeremey Porras Thank you Mr. Gunn for caring so much about animals and nature, you’ve inspired me in more than one way. – Paige Kochenower Thank you to all the teachers from over the years, but the teacher I want to thank the most is Mrs. Richard, you have been my teacher for all four years and you have always been there for me when I was down. Thank you! – Dakota Macon Thank you Mr. Flynn, Ms. Parker, Mr. Rushing, and Ms. Magee for helping me gain better insight on math, my worst subject. Thank you Mr. Franzen, Ms. Swyers for helping me maximize my potential in English, and be more creative/deep in my writing. Finally, thank you to Ms. Lee for being like a mother to me and being chill. – Allan Gajindo Thank you to Mrs. Lee she is very supporting and has helped me in many personal situations – Taylor Mckee

Thank you, Mr. Woodruff for working with me on multiple occasions. You taught me to be confident in my abilities, and truly cared about helping me succeed in college Biology. – Olivia Miller

Thank you to Mrs. Varraveto and Mrs. Welland for letting me eat lunch in the Quest Room. – Emily Shehi

Thank you to Mrs. Talcott for always being there for me and supporting me though all my tough times. You changed my life and I’ll never forget you. – Allie Ruoff

Thank you to Mrs. Rippee and Mr. Williams, you two have not only served as awesome teachers, but as people you are. You inspire me everyday. – Kaylen Gurwell

I’d like to thank my best friends for always being there to get Sonic with me! Even when it’s late at night and there’s still homework to do. – Britnie Harston

Thank you T-Britt for taking the time out of your day to prepare me for the AP exam. – Jenna Lillian

Thank you to everyone for what I know they did as well as well as what you all did behind the scenes to get us to this point. – Brian Xu

28 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Thank you counselor for helping me throughout the year with

arranging classes and schedules. – Rafael Guerra I would like to thank my ninth grade English teacher, Heather Tow, for encouraging me to take AP English. It was difficult, but each year of it has taught me a lot. – Jontel Mendoza Thank you Ms. Stiles for making my junior and senior year fun and introducing me to a variety of new animals. – Sarah Rucker

Thank you to all of the OE staff and all of my friends that have supported me. - Kameron Barnes Thank you Mrs. Holthus for helping me get my barbershop groups together over the years. – Tristan Jordan I would like to thank Mrs. Mayer for these beautiful, mellifluous years of high school orchestra. – Sabrina Ton Thank you Ms. Fraher for helping me keep up with my work. – Gillian Roberts

I’d like to thank Weible for being like a father when I needed it, and a best friend when I was feeling down. You’ve gotten me through many bad days. Thank you. – MiKayla Blunt

Thank you Mr. Umphrey for inspiring me to leave a good impression on everyone I meet. – Ethan Evans

Thank you Boggs for an amazing four years. – Rylie Lindig

Thank you Coach Boggs for being such an awesome coach for four years. I will never forget the memories OE cheer has made for me. – Emily Kennedy Thanks Mr. Goddard. U rock. – Anna Borden

Thanks to my varsity tech ladies for being the best, most wonderful nerds I know. – Sierra Ashton Thanks to all the amazing teachers that made Olathe great every year. – Justin Donnelly Thank you to Ms. Richard for helping me all four years. – Connor Guard Thank you Mr. Smikal for being such an awesome example, mentor, and role model over the last 12 years of my life. – Sam Douglas Mr. Shafer – you’re cool I guess. – Lauren Taylor I would like to thank Mrs. Creek for being the hero we all need but don’t deserve. – Rachel Smith I would like to thank Mr. Gunn for being a great coach and an even better role model. – Marcus Watts Thank you to Shanna Evans, Gretl Swyers, and Mike Wallace for helping me through high school and helping me graduate. – Caleb White Thank you Mr. Thibodeau for butting heads with me everyday and forcing me to learn about conflict. - Robb Morris Thanks to Goddard/Shafer for giving me four amazing years of friendship and support.. - Natalie Friend

Thank you Mrs. Tjaden for showing me the best way to take notes and how to enjoy a class. – Katie Howard Mr. Goddard: for showing me he cares when I was stressed. Matt Rentfrow: for casting me in Steel Magnolias and for making me feel proud of myself. – Shelby Werner Thank you Mama B for being a role model on Newspaper. – Alexa Buechler Thank you to all my friends, family, staff/ teachers who have helped me over the years and believed in me. – Miah Lindsey

Mrs. Hansen because she believed in me and encouraged me to do better in school and life. - Julio Alvucrado

I would like to thank Mr. Umphrey for being a great teacher and never speaking down to students but to them like equals. Also for talking to me during a rough time junior year. - Kaelyn Schimmel

I want to say thank you to all of the staff for being great and making me feel at home. - Zachary Cahill

Thank you to Mrs. Stephenson for letting me teach you how to play magic - Clayton Ramsey

Thank you Mr. Gunn for being the best teacher here. - Alec Carr

Thank you Mrs. Richards for guiding me through my high school career, you gave helped me through so much. - Felix Chavez

Thank you, Ms. Richards, for being more like a friend to me than a teacher and being like my school mom. - Kiah Choe

Thank you Beyonce (Miss Vohs) for inspiring me and being the best teacher ever! - Dash Schneeberg

Thank you to Mr. Young for teaching me the best way to learn in school. - Danielle Soliday

Thanks Mr. Woodruff for always helping the students to the best ability. - Christos Papedo

Thank you to all the teachers and staff members who do their jobs and put up with obnoxious students. - Nate Reichmuth I would like to give thanks to Mrs. Ginger in the front office - Josh Cosgrove Mr. Gunn, his positive and encouraging attitude lifted me up on mornings where I didn’t want to be at school. He helped me get through my day. - Mallory Newberry I would like to give a big shout out to Mrs. Rippee! Thanks for everything you’ve done for me and you are always going to be my favorite teachers. - Dannie Grimes

Thank you Mrs. Mayer for being such an amazing counselor and leading us to the National String Teachers Association. - Morgan Morris Thank you to Coach Umphrey for pulling over to help me after my car crash sophomore year, and for being a great guy overall. - Trisden Goodeyon I would like to thank Mr. Young for teaching me a new way of learning that is much easier than the traditional note memorizing. - Adam Thornton Thank you Madame Swetz for introducing me to a universal language, a proud culture, and a wonderful three years. - Hannah Silverman

Thank you Coach Daniels for an amazing four years of running. - Brandan Murray

One of the most influential teachers I’ve had was Mrs. Schmidt. I’d like to thank you for the many opportunities you have shown me. - Paulina Olivias

I would like to thank Coach Lilley for keeping the golf cage full of snacks. - Emily Kaemmer

Thank you Mr. Shafer for letting me hang out in your office all the time. - Mattie Bell

Thank you Mr. Super, Thuston, Stohs, Stephenson, and Larson for being cool to me and making high school fun. - Harrison Manlove

Thank you to Mr. Goddard, Mr. Shafer, and Mr. Rentfrow for allowing me to sell my soul to this theatre department. - Caroline Apel

Thank you Mr. Gunn for being there and supporting me through four years of high school #AvidFam and also my dad for never letting me down! - Micaela Stohs

I want to thank Mr. McDonald that teaches Advanced Communication Technology for taking me under his wing this year and always making my day a little better. - Will Weirick

I’d like to thank Coach Greer for encouraging me to feel the steel. – Connor Stewart

I would like to thank Mrs. Swyers for being there for me. Also Mr. Gunn for being an awesome teacher. - Samantha Vinardi

Thank you to Mr. Weible for making high school suck less. Brecken Petty Thank you Mr. Spurlin for how helpful you have been over the past few years with chemistry help and encouraging me to take AP chemistry. - Amirah Abdullah

I would like to thank Ms. Silks for giving me the aux during photogra-

phy and for being an inspirational teacher. - Addy Milford Thank you Mr. Weible for having the chillest room and having the biggest artistic influence on me, and thank you Miss Parker. - Sean Calderon Thank you Mrs. Swyers for a fun senior year! - Lauren Szukelewicz Thanks Mr. Bosworth for making physics make sense. - Mitchell Latimore Thank you Falen for respecting my shoe game. - Darby Gertsema Thank you to Heather Kolb, Jordan Meier, Matt Hinkley, Kyler Masilionis, and Sam Douglas for their constant support and help through a tough year. - Abbey Sigler Thank you Mrs. Swyers for being my mom away from home and for always providing me coffee, much love for you! - Casside Hartford I would like to thank all my art teachers for encouraging me and giving me amazing opportunities. - Ahna Valdez Thank you Mr. Umphrey for always being a respectful and caring friend. It was always fun being around you in class and it was a pleasure. - Jace Basel Thank you Kiah Nesbit for being one friend I can always rely on no matter what. - Ciara Thuston Thank you Mr. Gunn for being such an inspiring AVID teacher these last four years of my high school career. - Chase Winemiller Thank you Mr. Goddard for providing me a place to meet lifelong friends. - Shannon McLeroy Thank you to Miss Vohs for helping me maximize my creative potential, and Miss Smull for always making me laugh. - Kate Hunter Thank you, Mr. Keach for saving your Sunday crosswords for me. - Sophie Jones Thanks to Mrs. Stephenson, she believed me and never gave up. - Harrison Carrender

[Senior Issue ‘16] 29

Wills I, Abbey Bart, will my ‘I heart Atlanta’ shirt to Anna Sykes because she loves Atlanta.” I, Abbey Sigler, will my band enthusiasm to my six sons - Andrew Wray, James Evans, Matthew Miller, Jordan Flemming, Daniel Johnson, and Tyler Haidenbracht. I, Adam Mohabbat, passed on my sarcastic tone to Evan. I, Addy Milford, would like to will my “go meat” chant to my sister Emma. I, Alexa Buechler, will my mad Photoshop skills to Katelynn Dressel and Parker Brewer. I, Allan Galindo, leave behind these words to Cole Coffman: You were a great protégé and friend. I know you’ll go on to do amazing things. I, Allison Vermilion, hand off the baton to my younger brother Jacob Vermillion. #trackislife I, Amy Du, will my laid-back gaming style to Matt and Ian - you guys are going to get arthritis. I, Amy To, will my little brother, Bryan, my motivation so that he will get off his hoverboard. I, Andrew Hopper, will my confidence and talkative aspects to Zack Rodriguez,because I have never heard him talk out loud. I, Anna Borden, will my leadership and my love for dark lipstick to my love, Abby Lacy. I, Ben Kohl, will my title of “The Tank” to future

30 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Class

2016 C-Team leader, Cooper Thomas. I, Brad Beller, will my amazingly good looks to Dylan Pehaven. Take notes. I, Brian Percival, leave my post-show speeches to Patrick McCarthy; I know you’ll do well. I, Brian Xu, leave everything, for what it is worth, to the world. I, Britnie Harston, will my early release to my good friend, Sydney, because it’s great! I, Brittany Quinn, will my amazing ASL skills to Julia Zinn. I, Brooklyn Robinson, pass down my love of theater to all upcoming theater hopefuls. I, Caleb White, will Tyler Heidlbright my amazing speed. I, Caroline Apel, will my cult leadership position to Ashlyn Kulberg. I, Chase Winemiller, have nothing to give to my sister Makenna Winemiller because she’s already perfect. I, Christos Papedo, will my Clash of Clans skills to Brett Montgomery. I, Ciara Thuston, will my amazing 400 skills to my daughter, Katie Wingate. I, Clayton Ramsey, leave my debate skills with teachers to Zaid Umar. I, Cody Brady, will my mechanical pencil to anyone who carries spare lead because I don’t have any.

I, Connor Churchill, leave Zane Roberts my house in Olathe because I miss you. I will Luke and Kaleb the coont squad and David Gutgesell my golfing abilities. I, Connor Esparza, will my extreme attractiveness to little Parker; poor guy got none. I, Connor Guard, will pass on the back corner squad to freshman AVID students in Richard’s class because they will have more fun. I, Connor Stewart, would like to leave the Power of the Lord to all underclassmen because y’all need Jesus. I, Cory Barton, leave nothing. I, Courtney Cole, leave my sister my work ethic, so she’ll stop watching Netflix. I, Dakota Macon, will leave the next class senioritis. I, Dannie Grimes, will on my ability to understand and not judge people, to have an open mind to people, places, and other views. I, Darby Gertsema, will my crocs to my little sister, Peyton. I, Devin Ellicott, will Mark Rowland the “I don’t care” spirit of the tubas. I, Drew Wallace, will my video game skills to Hailey Burns because I think she deserves them. I, Emily Blais, will Anna, Cecelia, Sidney, and the rest of OE Volleyball

Claymation videos. I, Emily Kaemmer, will the overalls to Jill Nicholson and my golf abilities to Kalli Elliot. I, Emily Kennedy, leave my love for choir with Mia Valentine because I also love Mia. I, Emily Schukai, will my supply of ankle ACE wraps to my younger sister, Allison, and my impeccable driving skills to Kristi Haas. I, Emily Tucker, will the younger cross-country girls the ability to hold their pee while running. I, Emily Wetzel, will leave my bold attitude to Lauren Stevens and Gretchen Basham. I, Emma Shore, will my tape, height, and bench seat to Cecilia Nancarrow because she is only 5’9”. I, Ethan Evans, will the legendary Greenwood/127h XC cut to Grayson Howell and Cooper Thomas. I, Farrah Karty, will my cousinly love to my cousin Brooke Weiser because I love her like a sister. I, Felix Chavez, will my motivation to my sister, Daisy, because she will need it. I, Hailey Young, will my role as the token tall girl in the performing arts department to Taylor Parish. I, Haley Wagner, will my boxers to Cecilia Nancarrow, because she will freak out without them.

I, Halina Pinkston, will down being the sass master of the sass wagon on the way to state to James Evans. I, Hannah Cruise, will my photo-shopping skills to Maddi Pehrson. I, Hannah Miller, will my spunky attitude to Kate Caggianelli, because you’ll need it to get through senior year. I, Harrison Carrender, leave my Hallway Do’s and Don’ts to everyone who stands right in front of the stairs. Don’t be that guy I, Harrison Manlove, will my lack of math skills to Markus Nguyen and Dominic Juliano, because they asked for it.

I, Henry Cannon, will the position of C-Team Leader to Grayson Howell and Cooper Thomas - unless they start trying. I, Ireland Kendrick, will my musical patience to Jacob Thomas. I, Jamir Phillips, leave my athletic abilities. I, Jayd Sprecker, will cucumbers to Anna Sykes, Cecilia Nancarrow, and Sydney Rulsch. I, Jenna Deger, will the vision of One Hope to Mychaela Burris, because we created a movement not an event. I, Jenna Kor, will Emily Lucas Santa Baby (my javelin) in hopes that it flies true.

I, Jenna Lillian, will many games of Space Team to Lindsey Hart, Abby Lacy, and Quinn Cole. I, Jeremy Edds, will my unachievable soccer talent to Shane Koplin. I, Jeremy Prough, leave Saul Gomez the lesson he taught you in practice; keep pressing because you have natural talent. I, Joanna Riggs, leave my passion for to school to Molly Fain. I, Jontel Mendoza, will my flexibility and humble optimism to the next set of freshman and seniors. (Be good, please?) I, Jordan Meier, will my editor knowledge to Kaitlyn Shacklett & Blythe Dorrian. Good luck next

year guys! You will do great. I, Jordan Reeder, will my ability to walk down the hall with speed and not stand in the middle of the offreshman. hallway to all the I, Jordan Washington, will my swag to the sophomores. I, Joshua Ritch, will my wardrobe to Tristan, because he looks like his mom still dresses him. I, Julian Cooley, will my intelligence and procrastination skills to Adam Sweat. Good luck! I, Julianne Anderson, will my amazingly funny personality to Morgan Bukaty.

I, Julio Alucredo, will down a pair of headphones, so they can block out all drama and stupidity in high school. I, Justin Donnelly, leave my ‘bounce’ to Broderick Nelson in hopes he can someday dunk. I, Justin Paden, will my heart and soul to Peyton Gertsema. I, Karla Aroujo, will my sense of humor to my younger sister, Jeneisa Aroujo, so she can always have a smile on her face. I, Katie Howard, leave my amazing organization skills to my brother, Tyler, because without them, he might not graduate! I, Kayla Davis, will the cross country and track team as well as the pre-race potatoes to… Emily Schmeekle, and my sweet dance moves to Rachel Post. I, Kaylen Gurwell, will my spirit week outfits to Meredith

Basham, my DQ giftcards/ coupons to Molly Fain, my hatred of running to Gretchen Basham, and finally my motivation/ positivity to Renee Rosinski. Oh, and I will all my freshman babies my love. I, Kiah Choe, will my amazing Spanish (5) speaking skills to my little sister, Taja, because she could use some help with her Spanish. I, Kurt Paldino, will my swing to Grant Lathrop because he needs help hitting dingers. I, Kyler Masilionis, leave my Rocket League skills to Daniel Johnson, because he just sucks. I, Lauren Szukelewicz, leave all the underclassmen my determination. I, Lauren Taylor, will my passion for theatre (and my kidney) to Zoey Johnson, because she will always be my Shelby.

I, Lauren Westervelt, will Alex Lupardus the ability to keep dancing with that ratchet weave. I, Logan Steen, will my ability to hit absolute dingers in Matt-ball to Jackson McClain. I, Maddie Ames, will my hatred of when Swyers says, “that’s the downfall of America” about everything to her next class. I, Manuela Gonzalez, will my attitude to Brylee Anderson and Daja Coker even though they have enough of it already. I, Marcus Watts, will my cross-country water fountain tradition to Meridith Basham. I, Mary Whitehead, will my hilarious comedic skills to my sister Anna, because Olathe East can never get rid of the Whitehead Spirit. I, Matthew Hinkley, will my jar of farts to Matthew Miller, so I can

Dutch oven him after graduation. I, Mattie Bell, will all of the M&M’s in dad’s office to Lindsey Hart. I, Megan Vollink, will my AMAZING time management skills to my favorite carpool buddy, Rae Esser. I, Melisa Leon, will my sister Ximena, the secrets to leaving the East parking lot the fastest way. I, Micaela Stohs, will being hurdle mom to Nathan Lucas so he can carry the squad on without me. I, Michael Meier, will my dank memes to Patrick McCarthy, for he hath proved himself worthy. I, Mikayla Blunt, leave my determination to my girlfriend, Precious, because she procrastinates more than I do.

2015

[Senior Issue ‘16] 31

Wills

Class

2016

I, Mitchell Latimer, will Rafael the coconut to James Evans. I, Mitch Walden, will my C-Team Hype Speech responsibilities to Grayson Howell, may you continue our reign as the greatest C-Team in the state. Also I give all of my love to Meredith Basham. I, Morgan Benson, will my ability to sass Mr. Mays to McAuley Holhs, Keely Holhs, and Kenday Benson. I, Morgan Morris, will my cheerfulness to Jackson Dougherty cause I want him to have an amazing senior year. I, Murad Baheyadeen, will the spectacular Black Baton to Jake Gartenburg and Ryan

Weishaar. I, Natalie Friend, will my tenacity and drive to Lindsey Hart and Amy Schraeder. May you lead our department and your peers well, and enjoy every single second. I, Nick Lowe, will my soccer skills to Griffin Stone, Julien Denis, Shane Kopplin so they can win State next year. I, Olivia Miller, will my terrible procrastination to my younger brother, Jacob, because I am a great example. I, Quentin Goode, will the Deez Nutmegz 16-0 to Carson Fitzgerald. I, Quentin Meclain, leave freshman Ray Lewis my perseverance and love as play

brother. I, Rachel Smith, will my organizational skills to my brother, Connor. God help him. I, Robb Morris, will my sense of humor to Sylvia White. I, Robert Schoonover, leave my multiple flash drives full of debate evidence to my brother, Andrew, because he needs it to be as good as me. I, Ryan Njenga, leave my soda business to Kevin Soto – don’t get caught. I, Ryley Schools, will my vibes to Andrew Berry and Jack Lewis. Take care of Christine. I, Rylie Lindig, will my German club presidency position to Taylor Hicks. I, Sabrina Ton, will my

spontaneity to my sister Sophia, because she needs to mix it up sometime. I, Sam Douglas, will my four mallet abilities to the one and only John Jack Lewis. I, Samantha Vinardi, would will my A’s on a junior so school is easier. I, Sarah Barletter, will my courage and sass to Cali Hoyer. I, Scott Johns, will my title as ‘Best Looking Johns’ to my younger sister, Grace. I, Sean Calderon, leave my artistic ability to Bailey Wyckoff. I, Selina Liu, will my opportunist parking skills to Mackenzie Bohn, to help her navigate the OE parking lot.

I, Shannon McLeroy, will my ability to paint wallpaper to Amy Schraeder because that’ll probably come in handy again someday. I, Shelby Werner, will my imagination and childish behavior to all my cute freshmen. I, Sierra Ashton, will my amazing personality and comedic talent to my brother, Cole, so he can graduate from weenie butt Jr. to weenie butt Sr. I, Sophie Jones, will my wicked culinary skills to Aubrey Stephens. Make me proud. I, Suzannah Burris, will the

leadership of AWAKE Student Ministries to Mychaela Burris and Andrew Wray; I know they will continue to love God and people. I, Taylor McKee, leave my good sense of fashion and heart to dress like a boss to Jason R. I, Trisden Goodeyon, leave my role of the ball in German Deadlift to Matt Ogle. I, Tristan Jordan, willed several things down in the theatre department, but I’m not allowed to tell anyone. I, Tyler Laflin, will my inhaler to

Sam Ockerhansen for when he has to swim 100X100’s next year. I, Wade Rance, will the weekly holiday of Cardigan Tuesday to Noah Bradford, because he’s the only one that might possibly participate. I, Yulissa Cantero, will my humor to my little sister, Angella, so she can laugh at herself when I’m not around to do it for her. I, Zachary ‘Boobie’ Cahill, will the nickname ‘Boobie’ to freshman Ray Lewis.

I, Zackery Adams, will anxiety to every freshman. Enjoy always worrying about grades! I, Zamantha Henriquez, will my ability to not care about what others think and self-focus to any underclassmen in need. I, Zandt Durham, leave my lack of an ability to make friends to my younger sister. LOL enjoy eating lunch alone Julia.

Class

2016

Favorite Moments

Aaron Murray: Walking across stage with the people I have known for over ten years Abby Pfannenstiel: Hugging Mr. Gunn on the last day of student nat Addy Milford: I will cherish my senior spring show forever. Ahna Valdez: The neon run my senior year, hanging out with friends and playing with glow-sticks in the dark

Britnie Harston: Getting to know new people and create great memories Brook Kevins: Cathy Alcorn teaching the whole drill team the grey squirrel song. Brooklyn Robinson: The first day of school because everyone was so nice to me and made me feel special Caleb White: Winning state in track two years in a row

Alec Carr: Welding at OATC

Cameron Hunter: Dunking on South

Alexa Buechler: Going to Orlando and D.C. with the newspaper staff

Caroline Apel: The time I got to watch the Royals come back to beat Houston in game three in Goddard’s office while everyone else was in the audience crowding around Shafer’s laptop instead of rehearsing Footloose.

Allan Gajinda: When summer vacation starts. Every time. Allan Galindo: The best high school moment is when summer vacations starts. Every time. Alyssa Bruce: Meeting my favorite teacher, Mrs. Hiatt, my sophomore year and meeting my amazing friends. Amirah Abdullah: When I first walked into the auditorium for technical theater, and I found a love for it. Amy To: Swim team Andrew Hopper: Rushing the court every time we beat South in basketball

Ciara Thuston: Breaking the school 4x4 record sophomore year Clayton Ramsey: Flying 69! Connor Esparza: Backup goalie for soccer my senior year Connor Stewart: Giving my swim coach’s dog swimmer’s ear Corey Johns: Spencer’s rager Cortney Brown: When I’m with my team Cory Barton: Having nice teachers

Anna Borden: Making a lot of people cry and laugh in Steel Magnolias

Courtney Cole: Mrs. Stephenson tried to juggle scissors once

Ashley Hill: Being a Talon all four years of high school

Christos Papedo: When I was called up on stage during the Spamalot play

Autumn Waldry: APUSH with Britton and we pranked her by hiding and scaring her

Dakota Macon: All the time in AVID when we had our funny times, soccer games, and Christmas parties

Bailey Thompson: Storming the court at South after the boy’s basketball wins. It was cool sophomore year but it was even better senior year.

Daniel Bartak: Going home every day

Baylee Morrell: Opening night of Beauty and the Beast; it was my first show I ever did

Dannie Grimes: I’ve got so many good memories here at East, but I think my all time favorite moment would be having the donut sales for GSA so we could get shirts.

Benjamin Kohl: Spencer’s house

Darby Gertsema: When school got canceled for the World Series parade

Billy Willson: Creating a device to allow people with disabilities to do their job at SouthEast Enterprises. Won 3rd place in Source America National Design Challenge for this achievement.

Devon Ellicot: Winning grand champion at Mo West junior year

Brendan Langmack: When OLAX defeated Shawnee Mission East in the LAKC championship in 2015

Drew Wallace: Being on the homecoming court four times in a row

Brett Kelsh: Graduation Brian Percival: Performing at Starlight Theater for Blue Star and singing at Carnegie Hall in NYC with choir

Dion Union: Playing against South in basketball and football

Ellery Hoyt: Meeting Harley Stewark and Zamantha Henriquez Ellie Underwood: Taking a trip to Chicago with design studio Emily Jasnoski: Getting 3rd at state basketball my senior year

Brian Xu: Everything from beginning to end: August 2012 to May 2016

32 [Senior Issue ‘16]

[Senior Issue ‘16] 33

Jayd Sprecker: When Jamie Waechter lost what are the odds and had to tell Eztra Talbert he needs to shave his chin

Emily Kennedy: Performing in Mary Poppins, being on stage with so many talented people, and being able to perform with them was an amazing experience

Jenna Deger: Experiencing One Hope that was held at Olathe East. Students came and experienced hope and Chick Fil A!

Emily Schukai: Freshman year in French II, this girl drew cacti all over my papers that didn’t exactly look like cacti. And that’s the story of how Deanie Chen and I became friends. Emily Tozier: Taking a trip to Chicago with design studio Emily Tucker: I don’t know if I have a most cherished moment, but I do know I cherish many. Anytime I had to sit down from laughing too hard. Sleeping on the way to cross-country meets. Long runs. Early morning rehearsal sun rises. These are what I cherish most.

Favorite Moments

Emily Kaemmer: Being trampled during the court storm at the Olathe South basketball game.

Jenna Kor: Leg workouts to “Spoonful of Sugar” backstage during Mary Poppins Jenna Lillian: When my AP biology class junior year painted a ceiling tile to commemorate our year of struggling

Joanna Riggs: Winning two consecutive state volleyball championships Jonathan Wood: Kicking a dinger in matball

Emily Wetzel: Watching the girls cross country team win state championship

Jontel Mendoza: “You guys keep looking down at the carpet like it magically holds all the answers” (learning ways of a percussionist with…) –Jeff Smikhal

Emma Shore: When Jayd Sprecker brought cucumbers to volleyball practice

Jordan Blakemore: Cross Country the past four years and making amazing friends

Eric Olson: My three performances I did for East

Jordan Meier: All of the newspaper trips I took. I got to explore some of the coolest cities in the country and do it with some of my favorite people!

Ethan Evans: When I broke the monorail on my orchestra trip to Disney World senior year Farrah Karty: Meeting everyone in theater, theater kids are all friends with each other. They’re the only friends I’ll ever need so that we can be freaks and outcasts together without a care in the world. Felix Chavez: Going to Pittsburg State with the AUIO family Gavin Miller: Freshman debate antics with Aaron Barry

Jordan Reeder: Playing Ren in Footloose Jordan Washington: Flying 69!

Joshua Ritch: One time Vance had to finish a final for Williams, so we went in after.

Julian Cooley: When I spent a whole day in the quest room playing games instead of studying

Hailey Young: I was given the best gift anyone could give me. I was able to perform as my dream role in my dream musical when I played Jane Von De Graaf in The Drowsy Chaperone.

Julianne Anderson: South week

Haley Wagner: Being trampled by the student section after we beat South my senior year

Justin Donnelly: Winning state track in 2015.

Hannah Eckenroth: Elise Zissman dropped a book covered in not glue on my hair Hannah Miller: Traveling to Orlando, Florida with orchestra and all the memories there. Harrison Carrender: Senior Prank/Senior skip day Harrison Manlove: When the “Lucky 13” performed the flying 69 Henry Cannon: Giving a presentation on how to slide in the DMs. Ladies – for more detail, follow me on Twitter @hencanman Ireland Kendrick: Flying 69’s Jamir Phillips: Winning the state championship in track Jason Menegay: When I was a part of the varsity soccer team when they won state. I was their videographer.

34 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Julio Alveredo: Meeting new friends.

Justin Paden: Graduation Kaelyn Schimmel: CHEERBALL!!! Kaitlyn Howard: When Olathe East had good Wi-Fi last year Kameron Barnes: Friday Nights in the winter

Karla Arayo: Juniors vs seniors dance battle and they did the flying 69. It was hilarious.

Kate Hunter: Spending three hours every Thursday in design studio Kaylen Gurwell: The day I joined track because it changed my life forever in the best way possible and gave me some of the most genuine memories and friendships Kiah Choe: Going to games and shows with all the friends I’ve made the last four years Kyler Masilionis: We just got done with lunch and we had to drive back to East. Ryan decided to drag race another car on Greenwood Street and we hit 70 mph

Favorite Moments

Class

2016

Morgan Benson: Listening to music and watch- Selina Liu: Being a part of swim team for all ing the music video in yearbook and Mays singing four years along and flipping off the computer at the end. Shelby Werner: Being a part of Steel Magnolias. That is the best family I have ever had in a Lauren Szukelewicz: Graduating Morgan Morris: All the orchestra social nights production. Lauren Taylor: Pouring my heart out on stage in Natalie Friend: “Hot coffee coming through!” Sierra Ashton: “Like a rainbow” front of an audience in Steel Magnolias my final high and “because we love musical theater!” school production Sophie Jones: Giving a speech in a taco cosNick Lowe: My first varsity soccer game was tume Laurie Bush: Winning Grand Champions at KU my amazing. All of the students made it the perfect sophomore year atmosphere to start off our season in which we Suzannah Burris: I created an event called were 15-0 at one point. “One Hope” that happened on March 25th, Luke Barr: Winning in multiple competitions 2016. It was an event where every high schooler Nick Zinn: Playing football in Kansas City was invited to come and experiMaddie Ames: Senior year when they announced ence hope that we all need. It was truly wonderschool was canceled for the Royals parade and every- Nicole Friend: Breaking the school record for one clapped and cheered the 4x400 meter relay my sophomore year. Ciara ful to see a bunch of broken students coming together and experiencing God’s love for them. Thuston and I are the only remaining members Madison Wiles: Cathy Alcorn quotes/sayings from that team left in high school. It was a memoTaylor Mckee: Flying 69 rable season I will never forget. Makayla Winfrey: When I was able to stay after school and lift in the weight room with my friends Olivia Miller: Going to Florida with the orchestra Tierra Carter: When my mom brings me food this year. My favorite part of the trip was when Malik Jackson: When I got kicked out of the basket- we saw the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. It was so Trisden Goodeyon: “Quarter way, halfway, ball game beautiful and an unforgettable moment with my quarter way…” friends. Tristan Jordan: In choir this year we were in Marcus Watts: My favorite memory of high school the auditorium and we all spread out and sang was jumping into the pond on the last day of Paige Stortz: Spring break my senior year facing our own direction and we sang with all cross-country practice we had Rachel Smith: My favorite moment at Easy was Matthew Hinkley: Band camp in general :) when Patrick McCarthy hit me in the face with a crescent wrench and gave me a bloody nose. Love Tyler Laflin: My senior swim season Mattie Bell: My final fly across the stage as Mary ya Pat! Wade Rance: Playing hacky sack outside Mr. Poppins Stephenson’s room after lunch each day junior Rafael Guerra: Being on the soccer field and year Miah Lindsey: Winning homecoming my freshmen, being able to play every single game sophomore, and junior year Will Weirick: Sitting out by our cars everyday Robb Morris: The moment I met all of my new after school listening to our music as loud as Micaela Stohs: The track and cross-country team. So friends possible and long boarding in between cars. many amazing friendships that will last a lifetime Robert Schoonover: My first debate tournament. Yulissa Cantero: Getting to go to Florida and Michael Meier: My most cherished moment of my Disney world with the orchestra! And Ethan high school was performing at Symphony Center in Ryan Njenga: When I wore roller blades for a breaking the monorail. Chicago. whole day and only fell six times Kylie Lormis: Mr. Young made us feel his freshly shaved legs the second week in anatomy and physiology

Rylie Lindig: Getting a superior title every year in Zachary Cahill: Going to my first East football game when John Blazevic was a senior and it cheer and cheerball was pouring down raining Sam Douglas: “So did your girlfriend ask you Zackery Adams: Leaving Mitch Masilionis: Senior class of 2012’s dance at the to WPA, Henry, or is she just a friends?” – Mr. spring pep assembly Williams over speaker in lunchroom Zandt Durham: When I gave Maddie Ames a ride to the AVID Sporting KC game sophomore Mitchell Latimer: Band trip to Chicago Samantha Vinardi: The senior prank last year year which sparked our friendship and eventual Mitchell Walden: Winning a C-team cross country Sarah Rucker: My first week as a new student at relationship race and then turning down the JV spot Olathe East; everyone made me feel welcome Mikayla Blunt: At the 2015 homecoming extravaganza when even the people that didn’t like each other came together to have a good time

Monica Lozano: Uno games with Jo Raetzel and Yulissa Cantero while playing in the pit for Mary Poppins

Sean Calderon: Javion’s game winning three and Cameron Hunter’s dunk on South

[Senior Issue ‘16] 35

2016

Senior Quote

Abbey Sigler: “Ouch, my back.” Addy Milford: “Spend a little more time trying to make something of yourself and a little less time trying to impress people.” – Breakfast Club Alexa Buechler: “I don’t like what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” – Voltaire Allan Galindo: “High school was torture, but some of the teachers were pretty chill.” Allie Ruoff: “Don’t put your happiness in someone else’s hands, because once they are gone, so is your happiness.” Allison Vermillion: “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” – From the movie The Help Amy To: “Remove yourself.”

Kaylen Gurwell: “It’s a GREAT day to be a Hawk.”

Emily Jasnoski: “Life is what you make it.”

Kylie Lormis: “I am Beyonce, always.” – Michael Scott from The Office

Emily Tucker: “I’m just like my country, young, scrappy, and hungry, and I’m not throwing away my shot.” – Alexander Hamilton Eric Olson: “Kill ‘em with kindness.” Gavin Miller: “You’ve got to get rid of the more conservative habits of your mind.” – Animal Collective

Haley Wagner: “Life’s short, stunt it.” – Rob Kimble

Anna Borden: “Sometimes just when I say hello the right way, I’m like, ‘whoa, I’m so cool!’” – Robert Pattinson

Halina Pinkston: “I swear Rudi’s meaner.”

Ashley Hill: “Now or never.” – High School Musical

Hannah Eckenroth: “I mean I’m not doing squats or anything. I’m trying to eat less doughnuts.” – Nick Weller from New Girl

Bailey Larkin: “Wake me up (wake me up inside).”

Hannah Miller: “Crushed it.” – Fat Amy, Pitch Perfect

Baylee Morrell: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato

Hannah Silverman: “Love always and all ways.” – Hannah Silverman Henry Cannon: “#GlutenLivesMatter” – me Jenna Lillian: “I am fine. Everything is fine.” – me, everyday of senior year Jeremy Porras: “Work hard, play hard.” – Wiz Khalifa

Brian Xu: “I barely hated you all.”

Jonathon Wood: “Let loose kid.” – Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

Britnie Harston: “Make June memories for your December year.”

Jontel Mendoza: “All knowledge starts in wonder.” – Aristotle

Brooklyn Robinson: “Don’t cry because its over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Suess

Jordan Meier: “At least for now… I gotta go my own way…” – Gabriela Montez from High School Musical

Caroline Apel: “Organized dancing is the first step to communism.” – Goddard

Jordan Reeder: “Interracial couples are the best.” Jordan Washington: “Jet fuel can’t melt steel beams.”

Lauren Taylor: “Because we love musical theatre!”- Shafer & the theatre kids Laurie Bush: “Keep moving forward.” – Monty Oum

Olivia Miller: “We were on a break!” – Ross Geller Paulina Olivas: “You gotta pay the troll toll to get in.” – Frank Reynolds Quentin Goode – “Panda – Designer.” Quentin Meelah: “Stand in when you’re out.” Rachel Smith: “Rhode Island is neither a rhode nor island.” Rafael Guerra: “The ability to block out the unnecessary puts the goal within reach.” Rebecca Luu: “The very shy girl but a wonderful student and a friend.” Ruchi Goyal: “Don’t touch me.” Ryan Sieben: “ You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Makayla Winfrey: “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful.” – Eric Thomas

Sabrina Ton: “For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” - Vincent Van Gogh

Malik Jackson: “I’m the best thing to ever happen to Olathe East.”

Sam Pepper: “If your enemy is equal, prepare for him. If greater, elude him. If weaker, crush him.” – Ish ‘Kafel

Marcus Watts: “We need a race of heroes, of cowards we have plenty.”

Sean Calderon: “Timing is key, and timing is everything.”

Matt Hinkley: “When given a 50/50 chance, the odds are 80/20 in my favor.” Megan Vollink: “I’m over it.” Michael Meier: “I would love to, but I have band.” Mikayla Blunt: “Real eyes, realize, real lies, stay true to yourself.” Mitch Masilionis: “Next!” – David Kling Mitchell Latimer: “Most art is how you decorate space, but music is how you decorate time.” Monica Lozano: “Dank memes are my aesthetic.” Morgan Benson: “Life is like a camera, focus on what is important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.” Nick Lane: “Why not let it fly” – Chris Smoove Nick Zinn: “ The only thing I’m addicted to is winning… my success rate is 100%.” – Charlie Sheen

Selina Liu: “It’s fine. I’m fine. Everything’s fine.” – myself Sierra Ashton: “Its not ogre. Its never ogre.” Suzannah Burris: “The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.” – Paulo Coelho Tristan Jordan: “My whole life I thought there was no such thing as wasted space then the school bought those new vending machines.” Tyler Laflin: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali Wade Rance: “High school’s the only party everyone’s forced to come to.” – Wade Rance Zachary Cahill: “Give me that Corpse!” Zackery Adams: “Four years later and I’m still an idiot. Thanks for nothing.” Zandt Durham: “Ravioli ravioli give me the fomuoli.”

Justin Donnelly: “I was forced to do this” – Justin Donnelly

Courtney Cole: “Bears. Beats. Battlestar Galactica.” – Dwight Schrute

Justin Paden: “Yikes.” – Brad Beller

Dakota Macon: “Achievement unlocked! Graduated high school and they said cheat codes don’t work.” – Macon Bacon

Kaelyn Schimmel: “TREAT YO SELF” – Donna Meagle & Tome Haverford

Daniel Bartak: “I’m a tank.” – Ben Kohl

Kameron Barnes: “ Pmsg for life.”

36 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Lauren Szukelewicz: “I am free now.”

Emily Schukai: “Yes, this is my real hair color.”

Andrew Hopper: “I never left the friend zone.”

Connor Churchill: “Some say the stars make you feel irrelevant, but I would rather make a million dollars than be irrelevant.” Cole Heier

Kyler Masilionis: “Stupid is what stupid does.” – Forrest Gump

Emily Kennedy: “What team… wildcats!” – Troy Bolton

Gillian Roberts: “Playing dress-up begins at age five and never truly ends.” Kate Spode

Brian Percival: “Act well your part, there all honor lies.” – Alexander Pope

Kayla Goff: “I must go; the ocean is calling.”

Danielle Soliday: “Do what makes you happy, be with who makes you smile, laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.” - Kush and Wizdom

Andrew Candia: “Seniors have ALL the power!” – Aron

Brandon Murray: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Kate Worrel: “We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.” – Albus Dumbledore

Senior Quote

Class

Karla Araujo: “I’m full, and yet I know if I stop eating, I’ll regret it.” – Chandler Bing

[Senior Issue ‘16] 37

Senior Year In a Title “Parks and Rec” – Mary Whitehead “Sleep Always” - Ashlee Edler “The Walking Dead” – Brian Xu “7 years” – Nick Lowe “100 Years of Solitude” – Emily Shehi “A Series of Unfortunate Events” – Amy To “Endless Bummer” – Ryan Njenga “A Series of Unfortunate Events” – Selina Liu “Best Friend’s Brother” – Scott Johns “High School Musical” – Jenna Deger “Fast Times At Ridgemont High” – Katelyn Struckle “Mr. Brightside – The Killers” - Brecken Petty “NOT High School Musical” – Chase Winemiller “High School Musical” – Micaela Stohs “Aladdin” – Cody Brady “Bring It On” – Hannah Silverman “Big Girls Don’t Cry” – Kylie Lormis “The Show Goes On” – Jonathon Wood “Gossip Girl” – Kiah Choe “The High School Musical Series” – Emily Kaemmer “Flip or Flop” – Laurie Bush “Photograph – Nickelback” – Morgan Benson “Thug Life” – Justin Paden “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off ” – Addy Milford “Rush Hour” – Sean Calderon “Titanic” – Lauren Szukelewicz “World on Fire” – Mitchell Latimer “All I Do is Win” – Darby Gertsema “Project X” – Casside Hartford “Les Miserables” – Bailey Larkin “I Was Here- Beyonce” – Brooklyn Robinson “Rugrats” – Ciara Thuston “Dazed and Confused” – Sophie Jones “What is Stress” – Harrison Carrender “Dirty Deeds” – Michael Blazevic “Saved by the Bell” – Devon Ellicott “Dazed and Confused” – Robb Morris “Gossip Girl” – Nellie Underwood “What a Time to Be Alive” – Murad Baheyadeen “Napoleon Dynamite” – Joanna Riggs

38 [Senior Issue ‘16]

“We Made it – Drake” – Dion Union “Mac & Devin Go to High School” – Courtney Brown “Purge” – Connor Esparza “Worst Behavior - Drake” – Benjamin Kohl “Counting Down the Days” – Jordan Blakemore “Dazed and Confused” – Monica Lozano “Fight for Your Right- Beastie Boys” - Trevor Walters “Young and Hungry” - Sarah Barletter “Highlights – Kanye West” - Jacob Ostertag “Better Left Unsaid” - Ellery Hoyt “Stressed Out-Twenty One Pilots” - Madeline Ames “I Don’t Want to Go to School - Naked Brothers Band” - Abby Pfannenstiel “Clueless” - Emily Wetzel “High School Musical” - Farrah Karty “Don’t Blink- Kenny Chesney” - Robert Schoonover “Stressed Out-Twenty One Pilots” - Abbey Bart “Ball of Fire” - Aaron Murray “1984” - Ireland Kendrick “Clueless” - Julian Cooley “Independence Day” - Autumn Waldrup “Project X” - Cassidie Hartford “With a Little Help From My Friends” - Morgan Morris “Monty Python” - Trisden Goodeyon “Dazed and Confused” - Connor Stewart “Titanic” - Shelby Werner “Work- Rhianna” - Kaitlyn Howard “Stressed Out – Twenty One Pilots” – Clayton Ramsey “Just Cause” – Adam Mohabbat “Band of Brothers” – Harrison Manlove “Seinfield” – Caleb White “Clueless” – Alyssa Bruce “You’re so Very Far Away – Clem Leek” – Jason Menegay “Death Among the Young” – Cory Barton “The Other Guys” – Will Weirick “Stressed Out – Twenty One Pilots” – Dannie Grimes “The Walking Dead” – Mallory Newberry “Continuum” – Luke Barr “Daily Life of a Procrastinator” – Christos Papedo

“The Breakfast Club” – Alexa Buechler “Next to Normal” – Emily Tucker “All Night Longer” – Emily Jasnoski “Desperate” – Tristan Jordan “Lost” – Courtney Cole “I Stand Corrected – Vampire Weekend” – Sabrina Ton “The Final Countdown - Europe” – Michael Meier’ “The Shawshank Redemption” – Rachel Smith “Best Friend – Young Thug” – Joshua Ritch “Doing It Wrong – Drake” – Emma Shore “Girl Trash: All Night Long” – Sierra Ashton “Superbad” – Julianne Anderson “High School Musical” – Lauren Taylor “Space Jam” – Ethan Evans “Saved by the Bell” – Tierra Carter “Sound of Madness” – Baylee Morrell “How to do Nothing with Nobody All Alone by Yourself ” – Kyler Masilionis “High School Musical” – Jordan Meier “It’s the End Of the World as We Know it” – Jenna Lillian “Crazy – Ben Rector” – Kaylen Gurwell “Pretty Boy Swag – Soulja Boy” – Henry Cannon “Stressed Out – Twenty One Pilots” – Emily Schukai “Hell” – Jordan Reeder “A Series of Unfortunate Events” – Lauren Westervelt “The Beginning” – Dakota Macon “Life Is Strange” – Allan Gajindo “The Hunger Games” – Drew Wallace “Opposite of Adults – Mac Miller” – Spencer Kuchta “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” – Brian Percival “Stressed Out – Twenty One Pilots” – Bailey Thompson “The Big Bang Theory” – Andrew Hopper “Fight Song – Rachel Platten” – Allie Ruoff “Dazed and Confused” – Jeremy Porras “The Outsiders” – Rafael Guerra “I Should’ve Known Better – The Beatles” – Jontel Mendoza “Bye Bye Bye – NSYNC” – Olivia Miller

Class

2016

“Mac & Devin Go to High School” – Andrew Candia “Blackhawk Down” – Robert Herrera “4 Year Rollercoaster” – Sarah Rucker “High School Musical 3-Senior Year” – Emily Kennedy “Sweet Disaster – Whitehorse” – Anna Borden “Project X” – Malik Jackson “Mein Kampf ” – Danny Bartak “Much Ado About Nothing – William Shakespeare” – Haley Wagner “Don’t Stop Believing – Journey” – Tyler Laflin “Beverly Hills – Weezer” – Zandt Durham “American Pie” – Matt Hinkley “Talledega Nights” – Owen Bly “Work – Rihanna” – Makayla Winfrey “No Sleep – Wiz Khalifa” – Kayla Goff “Good Outro – Chance the Rapper” – Zachary Cahill “Live While We’re Young – Johnny Swim” – Suzannah Burris ”Long Live” – Britnie Harston “Rough Times but It’s Worth It” – Rebecca Luu “Dazed and Confused” – Nick Zinn “High Anxiety – Mel Brooks” – Caroline Apel “Waste of Time” – Zackery Adams “Institutionalized” – Jordan Washington “The Bachelorette” – Anna Rinehart “Dazed and Confused” – Yulissa Cantero “Napoleon Dynamite” – Allison Vermillion “Milkshakes- Kiara” – Kaelyn Schimmel “Ned’s School Survival Guide” – Alec Carr “Psycho” – Colleen Growney “Mean Girls” – Mikayla Blunt “The Breakfast Club” – Brook Kevins “High School Musical” – Hannah Eckenroth “Saving Private Ryan” – Eli Huber “Prison Break” – Mitch Walden “My World” - Dominic Arnone “Falling Up- Shel Silverstein” - Jenna Kor “The Revenant” – Samantha Vinardi

Prom 2016 April 9, 2016

Jamie Waechter and Hunter Collins 2016 Prom King and Queen

Photos Courtesy of Kevin Mays

[Senior Issue ‘16] 39

Senior Best Best Personality

Best Leader

Best Jokes

Mitch Walden & Katelyn Struckle

Best Artist Drew Wallace & Mary Whitehead

Best Athlete

40 [Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16]

Brecken Petty & Ryan Njenga

Best Actor/Actress

Caroline Apel & Ian Tarantino

Best Musician

Ahna Valdez & Sean Calderon

Emily Blais & Josiah Talbert

Best Twitter Game

Emily Shehi & Bailey Larkin

Jordan Reeder & Mattie Bell

Senior Best [Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16] 41

Senior Best Best Hair

Retire Before They’re 35

Go Viral

Rylie Lindig & Nick Lowe

Hannah Cruise & Dash Schneeberg

Win A Nobel Peace Prize

Get Married

Best Dressed

Nick Skinner & Kaelyn Schimmel

Abby Pfannenstiel & Scott Johns

Best Student

Best Fan

Wade Rance & Sabrina Ton

Julian Cooley & Selina Liu 42 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Malik Jackson & Emily Kaemmer

Hunter Collins & Makenzi Utter

Senior Most Likely To

[Senior Issue ‘16] 43

Senior Most Likely To Trip While Walking Across the Stage at Graduation

Brad Beller & Nora Voigt

Still Use a Typewriter

Cole Griffin & Emily Tucker 44 [Senior Issue ‘16]

STUDENTS TO Lead A Revolution

Best Friends

Cina Murray & Devin Ellicott

Edward Shafer & Gary Goddard

Best Dressed

Best Overall Teachers

Madison Parker & Justin Adrian

Josh Umphrey & Jennifer Rippee

Be on the Bachelor(ette)

Sophie Manwarren & Connor Esparza

Make Dad Jokes

Nick Franklin & Molly Kasper

Teacher Best [Senior Issue ‘16] 45

Best Coach

Best East Fan

Teacher Most Likely To Best at Getting Grades In Quickly

Mike Wallace & Cathy Alcorn

Bridget Boggs & Mike McDonald

Best Sense of Humor

Best Friend to Their Students

Nathaniel Thuston & Carmen Smull

Glenn Daniels & Mary Hair

Megan Dawson & Jared Schelp

Inspire Students

Follow You On Twitter

Tiffany Richard & Stephen Young

Jennifer Quick & Matt Stephenson

Edward Shafer & Jill Vohs

Teacher Best 46 [Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16]

Be Asked For ID

[Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16] 47

Assign Homework Over Break

Gossip in the Break Room Dr. Lovinggood proudly supports the teachers, students and parents of

OLATHE EAST HIGH SCHOOL! Bring in this ad to receive $250 OFF TREATMENT! (New patients only. Full treatment only. Not to be combined with other offers.)

call today for your free consultation! Braces for Children & Adults • Affordable Monthly Payments Most Insurance Plans Accepted • Custom Mouth Guards Available

Stacy Goddard & Scott Feaster

Gretl Swyers & Justin Williams

Take Bribes from a Student

Round Up a Student’s Grade (913) 782-1663 • 1295 E. 151st Street, Suite 1 • Olathe, KS 66062

www.drl4braces.com

Heather Tow & Garry Goddard

48 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Lesley Beck & Brent Reynolds

Teacher Most Likely To

Retiring Teachers and Faculty Mrs. Vicki Swetz International Language

How long have you been teaching at East?

Eight years at East, two years at Pioneer Trail, four years at South and six years at North, for a total of 20 years in the district and a total of 40 years of teaching.

What will you miss the most?

The students- definitely the students. I love watching them make discoveries, open up to new ideas, push themselves farther than they think they are capable of. Yes, I will definitely miss my students.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I hope students will feel that they were valued and respected in my class, that they learned about the French language, about the French people and culture and, also, about themselves. I would like to think I have touched my students’ lives and encouraged them to look beyond what is right in front of them and to dare to seek out new adventures, new people, new places. I know for sure that my students have changed my life, have made it more rich, more interesting, more fulfilling and have helped to keep me younger in many ways than if I had not shared my days with them.

What are you looking forward to in retirement?

Choices. Time. Travel. Sleeping until I wake up. My grandson, my daughters and my husband. Seeing good friends. And France – lots of France – over and over again and for extended periods of time.

From left to right: Kathy Lilley, Anne Kolarik, Mary Ann Davenport, Vicki Swetz, Barbara Nikoomanesh

Dr. Anne Kolarik Science How long have you been teaching at East?

Ms. Kathy Lilley Physical Education How long have you been teaching at East?

Six years…I came to East when the freshmen moved to high school.

I have been teaching at East since it opened, the fall of 1992.

What will you miss the most?

The freshmen, of course! And I really will miss the camaraderie of my colleagues.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Being the best teacher and mentor to kids that I could possibly have

been and for always expecting the best out of my students.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered for my integrity while coaching and my passion for teaching.

What are you looking forward to in retirement?

relaxing!!

What is your favorite memory from your time here at East?

What is your favorite memory from your time here at East? The essence of decay coming from the eco-columns! And Freshmen doing squirrely/fun things like making DNA Day tee-shirts.

I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, especially my grandsons. I am also looking forward to substitute teaching at East.

There are so many but my favorite is the camaraderie the staff had the first several years the building was open. We were a very cohesive staff that had fun and supported each other. We had time to get to know each other.

Other Faculty Members Leaving: Jennifer Quick, Wes Allred, Ashley Bell. Mike McDonald, Maddie Parker, Bridgid Mayer

50 [Senior Issue ‘16]

I have too many to count. It’s been such a joy sharing something I truly love with students as they discover that they love it too! If I had to choose one memory it would have to be the two weeks of one amazing experience after another I was able to share with 18 incredible students in the summer of 2014.

How long have you been teaching at East? I’ve been working at East for 24 years.

What will you miss the most?

I’ll miss talking to the kids each day (and many, many staff members) the most.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered for greeting students, staff and visitors with a smile (sometimes, if I didn’t have the right answer for them, that was all I had to offer).

What are you looking forward to in retirement?

I would like to spend more time taking care of my house and my garden. I am looking forward to spending more time with my granddaughters and possibly volunteering at their schools. I would like to have the time to sit and read a book in a couple of days instead of in a couple of months. And, I would like to spend more time with dear friends who have already retired. Oh, and I plan to do more traveling.

What is your favorite memory from your time here at East?

I don’t know if I could pick just one special memory. I have enjoyed seeing the accomplishments of a wonderful staff; our sports teams are, and have been, amazing; our performing arts kids are SO talented, it’s hard to believe they are kids. I’m impressed by the students who excel in academics and make it look so easy. But I think the one thing I enjoy the most is watching the seniors cross the stage each year, so ready to move on to their next big step, yet still wishing they could keep one foot rooted in the familiarity of Olathe East. I love that…and I miss them every year when they’re gone.

Mrs. Barbara Nikoomanesh Environmental Design

I will miss the kids the most. I have had some wonderful students in class as well as on my golf teams.

What are you looking forward to in retirement?

I plan to spend more time doing my favorite hobbies: spending time with my family and friends, traveling, taking classes and reading! I also hope to take up some new hobbies like photography, remodeling, cooking and

What is your favorite memory from your time here at East?

Mrs. Mary Ann Davenport Receptionist

How long have you been teaching at East? I’ve been at Olathe East since the school opened. I’m an original.

What will you miss the most?

I will really miss my students, and I’ll miss the colleagues that I’ve worked with for a long time.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I actually wrote the Environmental Design program, and have been teaching it since we started the program. I am the art department chair; I used to teach visual arts classes. I’d like to be remembered as someone who really cared about students and their futures, and I’d like to be remembered as somebody who has a passion for design education.

What are you looking forward to in retirement?

And I know that I am going to have wonderful memories with him, and I also want to keep my finger in the pot and be a part of changing students’ thought to design thinking, so I will probably do some things on the side related to that.

What is your favorite memory from your time here at East?

I think some of the best memories are my trips to New York with students for the Teen Design Fair, riding the subways with students, getting on airplanes with them, showing them the structures and architecture and city life. Also, not many people know it, but when I taught sculpture, we actually started the cardboard boat races. We did that as a classroom project. Probably riding across the pond in the boat was one of the funny memories.

My reason for retiring is so that I can take care of my grandson, Hudson. Amy Du and Natalie Friend

[Senior Issue ‘16] 51

Hawk’s Eye’s Senior Staff As students pull out their sandals and shorts in anticipation of the end of fourth quarter and the much needed summer vacation, graduation season comes into full bloom. To the rest of the Hawk’s Eye staff, this means the farewell to our seniors only after our busiest time of the school year. Whether they have been around for the eternity of four years or a short-lived semester, all seniors on staff believe that they have felt the impact of the newspaper family in some way or another. From exciting stories to the most devastating news, we’ve laughed, cried and everything in between. Together we have been on journalism conference trips, Taco Bell runs, have had bagel birthday parties, and unexpected Secret Santa’s. The seniors have become role models for each other and the underclassmen. They have brought joy and unpredictability to the newspaper room. They are intelligent people who will go far in whatever life brings to them. It has been a great honor getting to know them not only as classmates but as friends. The class of 2016 newspaper staff has left a legacy that will always be remembered on “the wall” in room 612. So Natalie, Jordan, Logan, Ben, Alexa, Nikki, Hannah, Amy, and Gavin, we’ll miss your unique personalities and your grammar corrections. Don’t forget that when you come back to visit, bring food! It’s always needed!

Logan Brockschmidt 1) Who is someone who made a big impact on you in high school and why? A person who made a large difference for me was Zach Newman. He first encouraged me to take pictures for school, and that got me a start. Sophomore year I was still in a box, but he got me out of it. 2) What was your favorite newspaper experience? DC trip. It was the first school trip I went out of state and I roomed with a bunch of great guys. The number of things I can think of from that trip only strengthens that it was my favorite. 3) What do you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered for my dedication. Week in and week out, I was at games, even though some were better than others, I always took pride in the effort to keep doing that. 4) Why did you join newspaper? My sister was editor before me, but I always felt that it was something that I was good at. I joined for the work, but the thing that kept me going was the friendships. 5)What is your biggest regret? My biggest regret is not doing more earlier. I only really started doing more second semester of my junior year. I wish that I started earlier and tried to improve as rapidly as possible.

Kansas State University Mechanical Engineering 52 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Co-Editor

1)What is your favorite newspaper memory? It’s so hard to pick just one! I would have to say that my sophomore year senior deadline night is my favorite newspaper memory, if not my favorite high school memory. We got really antsy just sitting in the newspaper room so we decided to run around the school to burn off some energy…little did we know that in doing so we were interrupting an end-of-year banquet. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed harder.

Jordan Meier Co-Editor

2) If you could make one sequel to a Disney movie that hasn’t been made yet what would it be and why? Inside Out, because that movie has such an interesting concept and made me feel all the emotions, I’d love to see were they went with it in the sequel. 3) If you had a different flavor of ice cream for every day of the week what would each be and why? Monday: Chocolate Chip because it is my favorite and make even the worst Mondays bearable. Tuesday: Red Velvet because Tuesdays are kind of ‘blah’, but red velvet is so delicious it would fix that in an instance. Wednesday: Neapolitan because the variety would be a change of pace, and would help me through the rest of the week. Thursday: Vanilla & Chocolate Soft serve because it’s a classic and so delicious. Friday: Birthday Party/Cake because its almost the weekend and time to celebrate:)! 4) If you could dance anywhere and with anyone, who would you be with, where would you be and why? I would want to dance on the shore of a beautiful beach with Prince Eric from “the Little Mermaid”. Ariel is my favorite Disney princess, and plus being a mermaid is so much less stressful than being a newspaper editor.

University of Missouri-Columbia Journalism-undeclared

Alexa Buechler Copy Editor

1) If you could go anywhere in the world and live there for the rest of your life(other than the United States) where would you go? Why? France, for me, is the obvious choice. I would have no problem living in Paris with their beautiful culture and delicious croissants. I learned French specifically because I’ve always wanted to visit. I’ll go for the tourist-y stuff, but I bet the food will make me stay! 2) What is your favorite memory of newspaper? Why? The trip to Orlando because I feel like I became significantly closer to my staffers. Gavin, Wilson, and I watch The Mummy. Jordan, Amy, and Nikki kept me from being an idiot. But, yeah, I’ll definitely cherish the memories and the people. 3) What is something fun you plan to do in the future? Why? I want to travel the globe. I’ll go anywhere, France, Italy, England, Ireland, Australia, and Morocco. I want to experience many cultures and have some adventures along the way. 4) Is there something you know now you wish you knew when you were a freshman? If I could teach all the underclassmen perseverance and good grammar, I would.

Arizona State University Journalism and French [Senior Issue ‘16] 53

1) What was your favorite part of newspaper? Our trip to Orlando. More specifically, power walking through Magic Kingdom at night with frantic coeditors and truly believing that our underclassmen were dead. It’s quite hilarious looking back.

Amy Du

Business Manager

Hannah Cruise Staff Writer

2) What song represents you? If a song were to represent me, I would say “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen because it’s a funny mix of spontaneous and carefree like myself.

1) What is one of your passions and why? Dance is one of my passions because it allows me to express myself and think creatively.

3) What was your biggest accomplishment in high school? My biggest accomplishment is getting through Calculus. I don’t even know why I did that…

2) If you could choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? Homemade Mac & Cheese.

4) How did you get into business management? No one wanted to do it, and I figured “why not?” Little did I know how my life would be affected. Also, my brother was the business manager once upon a time so genetics?

3) What is your favorite song? “Riptide” by Vance Joy 4)What is one quote you live by? “If one sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently.” -Bill Watterson

5) What are you most excited for in college? I’ll be going to KU’s school of business and I’m incredibly excited to adopt some random accent and reestablish myself with a clean slate in college.

5) What is your favorite experience? My favorite experience in my life is the High School Musical concert I attended for my birthday. I got my hair done at Libby Lu before the concert. Corbin Bleu touched my hand, and I died inside.

University of Kansas Business and Marketing

Natalie Friend Social Media Chair

University of Kansas Journalism

1) What is your favorite Newspaper Memory? My favorite Newspaper memory is when we went to the conference in DC, and Jordan Meier and I explored to the city together and watched the sunset from the Washington Monument. I’ll never forget what that was like - incredible. 2) What would you say is your favorite thing to do, other than newspaper? Theatre! I love it so much and I have spent hundreds of hours doing technical theatre since I started high school. I’ve dedicated the past four years of my life primarily to theatre ... while I may not be studying it in college, I will always have a passion for it which knows no bounds! 3) Describe your life in a Broadway play title? A Piece of My Heart 4) If you had to pick one thing to do for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? I would spend my time traveling and exploring the world, so I could meet all kinds of people and help spread education and opportunities between the various cultures and places in the world.

54 [Senior Issue ‘16]

University of Arkansas International Studies and Journalism/Political Science with a minor in Business

1) What is your favorite newspaper memory and why? I probably have two of them to be honest. One of my favorite newspaper moments was interviewing the new football coach Jesse Owen. The interview and article were extensive, and it really introduced to me what I was getting into and how much fun it can be to interview someone in person. The other is when Logan, Gavin, Wilson, and I and the rest of the class went to Ginger Sue’s on our semester final day, and we all went and got Taco Bell at 10 a.m.

Ben Kohl Staff Writer

2) If you could meet anyone alive today, who would it be and why? I would most definitely meet Bill Snyder. He is an inspiration to so many people who have played football at K-State, have been a student there, or just another player at any school. He has my respect and I would love to sit down and have a conversation with him. 3) If you could go on tour with any band, which one would you go with and why? I would go on tour with Twenty One Pilots. Their concerts are indescribable, and I would pick them over any band if I had the choice between two. Plus Josh and Tyler are two very unique individuals, and I would love to spend multiple months touring with them across the country. 4) If you could switch places with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? I would switch places with Neil Armstrong so I could reveal to the world that the moon isn’t real.

Kansas State University Finance and Economics

[Senior Issue ‘16] 55

Nikki Lansford

Letter from Mama B

Staff Writer

1) What is your biggest pet peeve? My biggest pet peeve is when you’re watching a movie, and people sit forward in their seats. I don’t know why, but it drives me up the wall. 2) If you were to live in a foreign country, where would you live? Sicily, because that’s where my mom’s side of the family is from, or Japan because that’s where my dad’s side of the family is from. 3) What is your favorite memory from newspaper? Feeling like a family and making good connections with people I didn’t know before. The Florida trip was also fun. 4) What do you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered for being kind and being there for people when they need me. 5) Who is your role model and why? My role model is definitely my mom. She is really strong. She lived through a divorce and didn’t have a college degree. She then went back to school in her forties and is getting her masters now in her fifties.

University of Missouri-Kansas City Journalism 1) If you could be a part of a movie as though it were real, which movie would you choose and why? The Big Lebowski. What a perfect life the Dude has. His philosophy has bled hugely into my own life. And, I’m very okay with that. I’ve seen the film many times and would love to inhabit its bizarre, dreamlike world. In watching the Dude react to the insanity around him, I see myself reacting to life around me. The Dude abides 2)If you could go on tour with any band, what band would you choose and why? Animal Collective! I can envision being a roadie for AnCo. I must admit to being obsessed with them. Merriweather Post Pavillion changed my life. Also, shout-out to past Hawk’s Eye staffer Brock Holmes for introducing me to this group of musicians. 3) What is your favorite memory from newspaper and why? The journalism conventions in Washington D.C. and Orlando were incredibly fun, but I’d say my favorite memory was that of feeling the power in my own hands to provoke, intellectually, my fellow students via my writing. Being a person who holds very strong opinions and beliefs, journalism proved a perfect medium to express my ideas about the world around us, and to at least try to expand the minds of my peers by offering a differing perspective. 4) If you could work with any director to film a movie, who would you choose and why? David Lynch is by far my favorite filmmaker and artist. His films fascinate me far more than any other director’s. It would be more than I could ever dream of. But I would love to just have coffee with him.

56 [Senior Issue ‘16]

Undecided

Gavin Miller Staff Writer

despise goodbyes. I avoid them. I say them quickly before I have time to cry. But here I am at this juncture having to watch seniors that have been in Room 612 for four years, three years, two years and some that just joined us this year. They all belong to the newspaper family- enduring deadlines, consuming massive amounts of calories, and discussing everything from politics to religion to prom dresses. I’m happy for them as their halls of education change to college campuses but sad for me as their adviser as I let them go. Ben Kohl and Nikki Lansford joined the Hawk’s Eye this year for their senior year and each one is unique in their personality and style of writing. Nikki even came along for our fall National Scholarship Press Association conference in Orlando, Florida to learn more about journalism and of course, cavort about in the Magic Kingdom of Disney. Her quiet cooperative spirit has been much appreciated. Ben perhaps loves sports more than anybody and he will discuss or write about it at any time. I went to the spring drill team show recently and fell in love with Hannah Cruise’s ( one and a half year staff member) distinctive manner of dancing. Enthusiastic, fun, smiling and energetic, she takes center stage on the dance floor. She writes the same way. I wish she had been on staff more years but I’m so happy that I got to have her for a brief chapter of her life. Gavin Miller (two-year staff member) billed himself immediately as the consummate movie critic and he is most content when he composes news about flicks, directors, screenplays and controversies regarding Hollywood happenings on the big screen. I have ridiculed Gavin about his eclectic tastes in music, his vegetarianism, and his Bernie Sanders shirt, but I think he knows- at least, I hope he does- that I wish the best for him and have delighted in having him in class. If anyone feels deeply about world issues and people, Natalie Friend (on staff for two years) fits that bill. She empathizes and sympathizes which makes for a compassionate caring journalist who covers all her bases. One of her first loves, however, remains the theatre world. Stage managing for numerous shows entitles her as a school expert of this crazy and chaotic position that is crucial for any production. I so appreciate Natalie’s way that she has of helping underclassmen with their pages- being a true mentor. Bubbly, gregarious and talented, Miss Alexa Buechler (joined last year) brings a brightness in any room that she enters. As copy editor, she speaks sternly and carries an active big red pen to the pages. I’ve watched her really grow as a writer and Alexa seems to be drawn to deep, introspective and even controversial subjects. I love how Alexa cares so much for special needs students- a true advocate for those who may need extra attention and help.

Three-year staff member Amy Du takes her role of business manager quite seriously and has added her our coffers for two years when she assumed the position. You don’t hear her complain or shirk her duty, but she accomplishes her job with consistent efficiency. If you want to watch a stunning dancer in action, look no further than this thrilling performer. She wows; she mesmerizes; she flows. We will all truly miss Amy bringing her mother’s crab rangoon to deadline nights. They should win awards! My two editors are four-year veterans of our journalism program and I pen these farewell words to them with such nostalgia and poignancy. Logan Brockschmidt and Jordan Meier blazed their own trail and have set some long-standing traditions and standards for the staff members that follow them. Logan established himself as a fledging photographer and quickly rose to almost expert level – taking hundreds of pictures of games at his own expense. His pictures have been used for district level programs and newsletters as well as gracing almost all of our covers this year. He worked numerous hours to get our paper online and entering articles, pages and photos into contests resulting in several awards for him and others. Logan’s natural abilities shine within this field of photography and journalism. His skills have been invaluable and I’ve been in awe of his talents. I remember Jordan as a freshmen almost instantaneously incorporating herself into the throes of being part of the newspaper. She stayed late at deadline; she corrected mistakes on other people’s articles; she wrote extra articles if needed. This year Jordan’s organizational skills have kept us all on track in so many ways. Her heart and soul lie with the paper and no one loves it or takes care of it like Jordan. She is going to rock the journalism program at Mizzou. Her gentle, sweet, always kind but natural leadership skills will be sorely missed. I wish for them to always have the ink in their blood, to always be able to write in a powerful way to be able to affect change and to hold dear the extensive memories that were made in Room 612. So that’s my goodbye. When they leave for the last time, I will matter of factly hug them, tell them I love them and wish them good luck and God speed, and then I’ll cry.

Love,

Mrs. Kirk a.k.a Mama B

[Senior Issue ‘16] 57

Letters from the Editors W ell, this is it. Among the flurry of finals, AP tests, grad parties, and last quarter papers, I always felt myself wanting to leave school once and for all, and everyone in it. But one thing kept me going through, fighting against the want and desire to walk out of high school on a high note. I had the senior issue, one last piece of work done in newspaper, a culmination of everything I’ve learned over the past four years: how to write on a deadline, how to use Photoshop effectively, but most of all, how to work together in a weird, snarky, and creative group of individuals. Over the past year and a half while standing on the sidelines of a flurry of games, performances, and even pep assemblies, I’ve always been asked one question in particular: why do I do it? At first, I wanted to give as little information as possible, so I always gave the brief statement, “It’s for newspaper” or “It’s for yearbook” or even the occasional “Just for fun.” But to say those things sold what newspaper meant for me short. I loved doing what I do for the pureness that came out of it. In sports, especially sports photography, you get people at their highs and lows, and everything in between. I saw people triumph on a quest for vengeance, but also fall others fall on their quest of destiny. But that’s all worth it to me, to be there when they get it. Even though this has been typically reserved to thank you’s for seniors on staff, I felt like I had to include this, a thanks for all of those athletes, administrators, and even coaches who let this scrawny kid with a camera close to their teams. Ryann, with you, I know I feel comfortable leaving the website that I tirelessly worked over for many months to you with you expertise and incredible work ethic. Melanie, you are always uplifting and giggling, having fun, and caring for others. That is something often overlooked for being on staff, but even more so in a great person to have around. Addis, you were always upbeat and can bring people together, and I know that your passion for entertainment is something that will be valuable in the coming years. Margo, even though you were the youngest on staff, I am glad that you joined and can be the next four year staff writer. Stofer, you have some of the most intense and fierce passion for all the things you set your

never thought the day would come where I would have to write this letter, but here I am one week away from my last high school newspaper deadline, and 18 days away from my last day of high school. While all the staffs I have been a part of have been special, this staff in particular was one I will always hold close to my heart. Now as our year comes to a close, the time has come when I must say goodbye. While leaving room 612 and the Hawk’s Eye behind is going to be very hard, I know I am leaving in it capable hands. I will miss each of you dearly, thank you for such a wonderfully memorable year. Margo, you were our lone freshman this year and you tackled everything we threw at you like a champ, and for that I thank you. Melanie, thank you for always breaking the silence in 3rd hour with your spontaneous karaoke; it always put a smile on my face! Addis, thank you for all your hard work; I am so glad you decided to join the staff and I am so happy I got to know you. Ryann, you have offered such a unique point-of-view to our staff and you never have been afraid to be anyone but yourself; it has been such a pleasure getting to know you! Stofer, all I can say is wow. You have grown so much as a writer, as a journalist, and as a person, just in this past year alone! Watching you grow has been such a joy of mine and I am so proud of how far you have come. You bring such positivity to this group and I cannot thank you enough for all the time and effort you put into this paper. Wilson, over the past couple months you have become one of my closest friends on the staff (even if you did make me cry three times on the Orlando trip). Thank you for always trying to cheer me up and thank you for just being a great friend! Also, I guess you’re alright at page design, so thanks for that too. Kaitlyn, thank you for making this year as amazing as it was; it is people like you that make the paper what it is, and I am so excited to see what you do in the future. Blythe, you are one of the hardest working people on this staff. Since the first day you walked into the room, you were willing to learn, grow

mind on, and can’t wait to see what you continue to do with it. Kaitlyn and Blythe, good luck leading these guys next year. It’s been a pleasing having you on staff and know that they are in good hands next year. Wilson, you leave me in a rough spot here, since you are not a senior, but you are leaving the staff and state. I will most certainly try to keep track of your future endeavors, as I know you will get things done when you set your mind to them (on time). Alexa, even though I mess with you and joke around, I just want you to know that I certainly am thankful for everything that you do for the staff. You have an incredible technical mind, and I’m sure that Arizona State will love that for you. Hannah, I appreciate the way that you are always so upbeat and funny, always coming up for a new way to get people to laugh. Gavin, even though I didn’t always think that we saw eye-to-eye, talking with you is the most fun things I’ve ever done, especially in Orlando. Nikki and Ben, even though you two just joined staff and were able to experience it just for a short time, I’m thankful that you were able to join us and have fun with us this year. Natalie, you are such a rambunctious person in a tiny package. With the way you worked yourself thin, when you focus your attention to something I have no doubt in my mind that it will be great. Amy, you are the best at what you do, and there is no doubt in my mind that any business would be privileged to have you. Anyways, I think that you and I were no doubt better than our counterparts, Peter and Emma :). Jordan, it’s been a blast being not only editor with you this year, but being on staff together for the past four. Even though we joke back and forth (mostly me), it’s fun to have someone who isn’t afraid to have fun with me. Even though I joke about Mizzou sometimes, I know that you will be a great fit at their school of journalism. Thank you Mama B for being a guiding light for all of us for the past year, I wish you and Jeff the best, and hope that you will build off of this year for future years. It’s been a blast.

Logan

and help those around you. Good luck next year to the both of you! Ben, thank you for all your hard work and your willingness to learn. Your sense of humor never fails to lighten the mood! Gavin, aka the Movie Critic, aka Bernie Sander’s #1 fan, aka the Satanist Vegetarian, I can’t wait for the day when I hear you have become a big-name movie critic! Hannah, you are the funniest person I know and your memes kill me every time. Thank you for all your hard work! Nikki, Orlando with you was so much fun, and I am so glad I have gotten the chance to know you this year. I wish you had joined sooner! Amy, from DC to Orlando, to drill team—I am so glad I have gotten to know you. I cannot imagine my high school years without you and thank you for being such an incredible friend and person! Alexa, you have helped keep me sane through this whole crazy year. I am so happy you joined newspaper, or we might not have been able to meet and create the friendship we have. Good luck next year and I am going to miss you! Natalie, It seems like just yesterday we were in second grade having sleepovers; where does the time go? I am so grateful you joined the paper; this journey would not have been as fun without you. Thank you for all your years of friendship, I am going to miss you so much next year! Logan, it’s going to be weird to not have to see you everyday and listen to you make fun of drill team. Despite your constant teasing, I know I can always count on you as a co-editor and as a friend, I’m surprisingly going to miss you! Good luck, I know you and your amazing photography skills are going to do great things:)! Mama B, without a doubt you are going to be the person I miss most next year. Since day one you have been a huge role model and inspiration to me, and you have helped me grow into the person I am today. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and thank you for being such a guiding light in my life; I do not know where I would be without you. All My Love,

Jordan

58 [Senior Issue ‘16]