Eagle Exodus

THE

CHRONICLE VOLUME 4 - ISSUE 2 - November 8, 2016

With Olathe West on the horizon, Olathe North prepares for an

Eagle exodus

in this issue

Staff Writer Designed by Lauren Yoksh Editor

presidential candidate breakdown

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eagle exodus

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taking pride in eagle pride

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eagle sports

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Although the regular season ended with a home victory over Shawnee Mission Northwest (pictured), the overall

the season ends: season came to a close with a 36-32 loss at the hands of Shawnee Mission North in the first round of the playoffs.

when sports meet culture

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help! my parent teaches here

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whatever happened to the school dance?

22

will it latte?

24

are you afraid?

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Contact Information

The Chronicle staff

Responding to the Publication

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mailing address: 600 E Prairie St. Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: (913) 780-7140 Website: onhsnews.com Letters to the editor can be submitted electronically on our website at onhsnews.com under the “Contact Us� tab. Letters may be published either on onhsnews.com or in our print edition. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited.

Mary Hirtreiter

design editor

Advertising

Hunter Eisler

Purpose

Symone Sanders Kylee Weber

The Chronicle and onhsnews.com accept advertisements. Pricing and information can be obtained by contacting us at rcaveon@ olatheschools.org or sarabridges3@gmail.com.

The Chronicle is the official high school news publication of Olathe North High School, an open forum distributed to all students 8 times a year. This is the second issue of volume three.

The Chronicle is printed by Osage Printing, 400 N Liberty St. Independence, MO 64050. This is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. The Olathe Unified School District No. 233 and its board members, officers, and employees disclaim any responsibility for the content of this student publication; it is not an expression of School District Policy. Students and editors are solely responsible for the content of this student publication.

photo editors business manager Sara Bridges

advisor

Robert M. Cave, Jr.

editors

Skyler Daniels Abigail Miles Kailey Scharff Ana Schulte Magda Werkmeister Lauren Yoksh

staff artist Josie Sloan

copy editors Emma Reuter Alex Thompson

staff writers Isabella Bray Adam Coffman Rachel Delehanty Yustina Erazo Joey Guzman MJ Ferguson Grant Hrabik Tijen Jones Amara Lindsey Haley McGriff Autumn Mesmer Juan Paramo

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Presidential Candidates: The BreakDown

By Isabella Bray Staff Writer Designed by Lauren Yoksh Editor

The talk of 2016: who will be our next president; Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton? Rumors spread quicker than a vicious wild fire about these two candidates and their past. Their platforms promise a great and safe America but what are their true beliefs and motives behind the well manicured scenes?

Hillary Clinton is the democratic party nominee for the presidency. With over $542 million raised for her campaign, Clinton’s platform includes fighting for rights of everyone, including illegal immigrants. Of these rights, illegal immigrants should be considered legal residents and should also be eligible for financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition. Clinton also believes stricter background checks before being able to own a gun would be an asset to a safer America. To increase economic growth, Clinton would like to increase federal taxes on the rich and lower it on the middle class instead of raising it on them. Half way across the world in the Middle East, Clinton believes that The Unites States should continue drone strikes, but not to send ground troops to fight ISIS. As the republican nominee, Donald Trump believes the opposite on nearly every conflict as Clinton. Gun control is not a concern to Trump and he would rather not have it. As far as immigration, Trump believes that all illegal immigrants should be sent back to their home country before gaining United States citizenship. Trump would also like to lower taxes instead of more federal spending to support economic growth.

Sending ground troops to fight ISIS would also be a goal of Trump’s if he becomes president. Trump also does not believe in the same equality that Clinton does starting with the idea that employers should not have to pay men and women equally.

From conflicts at home to wars in the Middle East, Clinton and Trump have different opinions on everything, but they both have one common goal: to keep the United States safe.

Hillary Clinton supports gun control and believes that stricter background checks, physiological testing, and training is the only way to solve the problem of recent shootings. But taking some guns, such as assault rifles and other assault weapons, out of the equation is another way to keep Americans safe. People on the no-fly list and terror watch list should not be able to have a gun in her opinion as well.

Clinton would also continue drone strikes overseas but would not send ground troops to fight ISIS. Suspects of terrorism should be able to have a fair trial, Clinton believes, and Guantanamo Bay, a United States military prison, should be shut down.

As far as the military goes, women would be allowed to defend our country, not just men, and military spending would stay the same if Clinton becomes president.

Hillary Clinton believes in equality for everyone, including immigrants. She believes that illegal immigrants should have subsidized healthcare and citizenship and should be offered financial assistance, scholarships and in-state tuition. Clinton also has the opinion that illegal immigrants should also not have to go back to their home country before being eligible for United States citizenship. Clinton also believes Muslims should not be banned from the country and Syrian refugees should also be welcomed into the United States instead of being turned away.

Back on the home front, Hillary Clinton would like to target tax credits for the middle class and raise capitol gains taxes. Clinton also supports federal spending to

promote government spending and increasing income tax to balance the budget on the tax bracket. Lowering taxes for the middle class and raising them for the rich would also promote economic growth as well in her opinion. Clinton also believes employers should also have to pay women and the same salary as men.

On the other end of the spectrum, Donald Trump does not see a need for gun control but he does believe that those who are on the no-fly list and terror watch list should not be able to have a gun.

Trump does not believe suspects of terrorism should have a fair trial because they are not United States citizens. He also supports a United States and Russian alliance against terrorism along with sending ground troops to fight ISIS. Trump would like to keep Guantanamo Bay open as well, unlike Clinton.

Along with the well known wall that Trump wants to build on the border between Mexico and the United States, he also does not agree with Syrian refugees entering the country and undocumented immigrants becoming legal citizens. Instead, Trump would like to deport them, freeze their green cards and temporarily ban all Muslims from entering the United States. Trump also believes that all illegal immigrants should not have access to government subsidized healthcare and should pay out-of-state rates for college. Trump also believes that before being able to get their citizenship, illegal immigrants should have to go to their home country as well.

Trump believes there should not be a federal tax increase. He also does not support federal spending to promote economic growth. If elected president, Donald Trump would raise taxes on the middle class and lower them for the wealthy like himself.

One of Hillary Clinton’s most important goals is equality. Some of these rights include illegal immigrants being accepted into the country and should also be eligible for benefits such as financial aid and scholarships. Clinton is also pro-gun control, meaning there should be stricter background checks on Americans before they are able to own a gun. Clinton would like to increase federal taxes to promote the growth of the economy. Along the lines of foreign conflicts, Clinton believes that The Unites States should continue drone strikes, but not to send ground troops to fight ISIS. Donald Trump believes the opposite of Hillary Clinton on nearly every platform.

Trump believes that gun control is not a necessity for the United States. Where immigration is concerned, Trump believes that all immigrants should not be eligible for their citizenship until they have returned to their home country first. Trump would not increase income tax and improve economic growth by lowering federal taxes if he was president. To fight ISIS, Trump would send ground troops and form an alliance with Russia. Trump would not allow women into the military nor would he force employers to pay women and men the same salary.

Out of the nearly 70 Olathe North students polled, 74% said they would vote for Clinton if they could vote, the other 26% said they would vote for Trump. Many other students were asked but they said they would not vote for either canidate.

The presidential election is coming down to the wire and has Americans guessing which candidate would be a better fit for the presidency. The answer will come November 8th.

november 8 could be

just the beginning

By Hunter Eisler design editor

There is an age-old precedent in the history of American politics, instituted by George Washington himself and kept sacred since: the transference of power from the old executive to the new. This power exchange also comes with a very specific caveat –– the loser of the election concedes the presidential election to the victor. This two-pronged power exchange is vital for the flourishing of democracy, that the peoples’ choice for the executive is respected by the exiting president and the victor, but most importantly, the loser.

Let me, then, share what Donald Trump has expressed about the outcome of the election: “And I’m telling you, November 8, we’d better be careful, because that election is going to be rigged.”; “I’ll look at [the election results] at the time. I’ll keep you in suspense.”; ““The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD.” Now, for some perspective, Donald Trump is writing and saying these statements as FiveThirtyEight, a polling firm implementing algorithms to predict election results, has his winning chances at approximately 30% at the time of this writing..

His expression that the election will be ‘rigged’ is far more impactful on Trump supporters than the rest of the American electorate. For the electorate, Trump’s comments are at the bottom of a long list of his outrageous statements. For his supporters, the expression that the election is rigged sets a dangerous tone for November 8 when, as it seems right now, Hillary Clinton will become the 45th President

of the United States.

Any election is the purest expression of peoples’ intent in a democracy. It ensures that no matter who wins, every voice and every vote is heard in the governmental system. Therefore, due to the decentralized nature of the United States’ election process, state by state, person by person, elector by elector, the American citizenry has always if not been in agreement with, at least respected the decision of the people.

There is a certain sanctity, a certain integrity, a certain confidence that many, if not all, American citizens bestow in the election process –– especially for the election of a president.

It is an unspoken tradition to transfer power appropriately, cede an election, and respect the decisions of the American people. The lack of such a tradition leads a democracy down the simple path to dictatorship. Trump, by all accounts, seems to be inciting the failure of such confidence and questioning the authenticity of the election before it even happens.

I have a theory that should Trump lose, his actions can necessitate two different paths for American democracy. The best case scenario is that Trump persuades a limited number of his followers to continue their vitriol regarding the election of Hillary Clinton, and his rhetoric dies away as the public transitions its attention past the tumultuous 2016 election cycle. His comments, gaffes, rallies, and anger will be the stuff of legend; Donald Trump’s candidacy will be historic, but only that: history. And, should the United States heal from his nomination properly, measures can be instituted in both

parties to ensure the rise of such an oligarch will never be permitted again in the future. For all intents and purposes, the American people can reduce Donald Trump to what he deserves to be: a passing reference.

Or, in a worst-case scenario and a rather disheartening turn of events, Trump can morph his loss of the election into his championing of anarchy. Trump’s rabble-rousing rhetoric could breed a skepticism of our constitutionally-derived election system that sends a destructive shockwave in an attempt to utterly decimate our prideful republic. And despite Clinton’s win, Trump would still hold the power cards, with a wild grip over the country’s most alt-right citizens and his most enchanted followers. The people’s confidence in government is already generally shaky, with an average of 63% of polled citizens stating that the United States is heading in the ‘wrong direction.’ The largest detriment would be a lack of confidence in our Constitution, our declaration of principles, beliefs, methodologies, and processes for self-government. It is always easier to destroy than build, and the months-long tirade Trump has waged against our democracy could take years or generations to rebuild and restore faith therein.

For the sake of the American people, I hope that Hillary Clinton is the next president of our American democracy, as she stands the best chance against this democracy-destroying demagogue. For the sake of our democracy, I hope that Donald Trump’s vitriol and anger comes to an end –– its time in the public eye was not short enough.

tweets from trump Tweet posted October 16, 2016

Tweet posted October 15, 2016

Tweet posted October 17, 2016

issue 2 | the chronicle | 5

Olathe South, 1981. Olathe East, 1992. Olathe Northwest, 2003. With each high school opening Olathe North has been affected. With Olathe West coming in 2017, teachers and students are preparing for yet another

Eagle Exodus

6 | The chronicle | issue 2

By Joey Guzman Staff Writer by juan paramo Staff Writer designed by Abigail Miles Editor Image from: http://departments.olatheschools.com/highschool5/

o

n the first day of the school year, freshmen are the only students in the building. They navigate Olathe North following their link crew leaders throughout the building. At the end of this exploration of Olathe North, all freshmen gather in the main gym and learn about Eagle Pride; they are taught the fight song and the alma mater. As the freshmen leave the building, they are ready for their first day of being a true Olathe North eagle. Unfortunately, for about 200 of the freshmen here at North, they will have to re-live and re-learn all of this for a brand new school.

In the Fall of 2017, Olathe West will be opening. This year, Olathe North has had one of the biggest increases in the freshman class the school has ever seen.

The total number of students this school year is 2,352 and out of those students, 669 are freshmen. It is estimated that 1/3, or about 200 of the freshmen this year will be leaving to West. The exceptions for the freshmen that can stay here at North is if they have an older sibling attending North or if they are in a program. Sophomores and Juniors have the choice to leave or not if they live in the Olathe West area but if the freshmen live in the area and they don’t fit any of the requirements to stay, they will have to go to Olathe West next school year.

The thought of the movement has been a shock to many freshman this year. Most freshmen are nervous, knowing that they will have to experience their first year again in another high school. The change will be very big to the people at this school for both the ones leaving and the students who will still be here. It’s not only a hard-hitting thing for the students but it is also tough on the teachers and especially Principal Jason Herman. “It’s hard to lose them, but I have to still celebrate Eagle Pride and build the climate and culture here at Olathe North, that’s my job”, Principal Herman said about the freshmen leaving.

number of students per high school 2016-2017

1,000 *

(expected students at Olathe West during the 2017 school year.)

1,911 2,343 1,249 2,256

Mrs. Alicia Jackson How many years have you been at North?

“This is my fourth year at Olathe North.”

What excites you about West?

“I am excited to open a new school and be part of building a new community from the start.”

Will you be sad about leaving north? what will you miss?

“I will be very sad to leave Olathe North! I love the people at North, all of them! I have made some amazing friends at North, worked with wonderful young adults, and learned from some of the best in the world of education. I will miss the diversity in our building, there really is no other school like this. When you think about our student body, the programs we offer here, and how we all contribute to the greater good of North it is a special thing. Are we perfect, no, but we take care of each other. “ Will you always have North pride?

“Olathe North will always be precious to me.

This place has left a lasting imprint on my heart and has made me a better person and counselor. Thank you for everything you have taught me!”

Olathe West in the process of begin built on Santa Fe Street, opening before the 2017 school year. Photo by: Abigail Miles To remove this shock, Jay Novacek, the principal of Olathe West, came to Olathe North during the A.R.T. time on Thursday, October 27 to talk to the freshmen and sophomores in the West attendance area. This shock removing presentation did exactly what it was supposed to. As the presentation began, the room was filled with suspicion and the feeling of not really wanting to be there, but, as the presentation progressed, the mood increasingly lifted into one of excitement and curiosity of a new school with new opportunities. To top it all off, at the end of this, Olathe West t-shirts were tossed to the students attending which further added to the atmosphere of excitement and new curiosity.

However, it’s not just the current freshmen and other students that are leaving, a few of the staff here will be part of the many that will be leaving to Olathe West. One of those staff members leaving is Mrs. Alicia Jackson, a counselor here at North saying that she is “excited to open a new school and be part of building a school community from the start.” Alongside

this excitement comes sadness, with Mrs. Alicia Jackson also saying, “I’m very sad to leave North as it has and always will be precious to me.”

Another faculty member leaving to West in the upcoming movement is Mrs. Julie Fishburn, a social studies and geography teacher. “I’ll miss everybody, all of my students and everybody I have worked with. North has been my home, I went to school here, I graduated from Olathe North so I’ll be very sad”, is what she said when asked what she’ll miss about North.

Those teachers may be leaving Olathe North to go to West but to all of us they will always be Eagles. Our principal, Mr. Jason Herman, gives advice to the freshmen and staff members who are leaving saying “do not worry and freak out about the future, just think about and enjoy the present here at North and most importantly, be proud to be an Eagle.” Mr. Herman concluded with, “I understand they are only here for one year, but they only have one freshman year, so I’m here to make it the best.”

Olathe North students that are eligible to go to Olathe West next year attend an informational meeting on October 27, 2016. Photo by: Kylee Weber

8 | The chronicle | issue 2

Bobby Johnson

The Chronicle staff caught up with future Olathe West principal Jay Novacek when he spoke to ON freshman and sophomores on October 26, 2016.

you would be going to west, why do you get to stay?

“I am in the area for West but because I am in a vasity sport (cross country) I am able to stay.”

Are you glad? do you have friends leaving?

“Yeah I’m really happy I get to stay. I’ve made some friends here and it would suck to leave them. I don’t know for who is leaving, but it stinks that they have to go.”

Kaden Cooley Are you going to west?

“Yeah, I am in the area to go there, but I’m hoping to stay through a transfer paper.”

Are you sad? glad?

“I’m kind of excited to go to West, but sad too because I already know the school and have friends that are not leaving with me. I’m excited because it is a brand new school .”

Mrs. Fishburn How many years have you been here at north?

“I have been here for ten years.”

What excites you about West?

“I think that West will be very different then a regular high school.... it’ll be kind of like education out of the box.”

Will you always have north pride with you?

“Absolutely.”

Myayla Gardner What is your opinion about the current freshman going to west next year?

“I know that some of my friends are [leaving]... It’s not cool, I just met some of them and they’re already leaving next year, it’s kind of an upset.”

ABRIELLE GILBERT what are your views about eagle pride?

“I think the pride thoughout the whole school... brings everyone together and it pumps everyone up for all the sports.”

What is your opinion about the freshman going to west next year?

“I know one of my friends who is supposed to go to West. I am supposed to go to West but I’m in a program. I don’t like it because you make all these friends and then they have to leave.”

Sam gieffer what are your views about eagle pride?

“It’s a lot of fun to see people get excited about North and it get’s people pumped up and celebrate.”

What is your opinion about the current freshman going to west next year?

“It’s really sad to see my friends leaving and I’m disappointed.”

an interview with jay novacek What excites you about West?

“Today I am mainly excited about being back in school, being around the kids, their energy, their excitement. I think West will be very unique and innovative high school, students will have very many different opportunities.”

What does it feel like of be the principal of a brand new school?

“It’s awesome, it is a great honor and I’m really looking forward to it. Very exciting time and its like building a house on one hand and also setting up a school and its curriculum on the other.”

How many overall/each class of students will be attending West?

“Right now we think it’ll be around 9001000 total, we expect a full freshman class of four to five hundred, and smaller classes depending on how it goes with the sophomores and juniors.”

What steps are you taking as a staff at West to excite/ motivate freshman leaving their school?

“I think days like today (presentation to sophomores and freshman) are huge. Getting out so future students can meet me, some of our staff, and showing them pictures of what the school will look like, even throwing some t-shirts out to create a sort of buzz. We have a twitter feed updating people on how construction is going and giving them as many opportunities toget hooked into our community.”

Student Perspective:

taking

pride in

Eagle pride By amara lindsey Staff Writer Designed by Lauren Yoksh Editor Photos by Kylee Weber Editor

As seniors graduate and new classes of freshmen flood our

halls, each of them are imprinted with the qualities of an Eagle. As the openeing of Olathe West draws nearer, it would be beneficial for all of us to reflect on what being an Eagle is all about.

Coming up to high school can be stressful, especially when you are constantly being introduced to new people and new situations.

Events that are solely about the fun and good of competition can be enjoyed by many. It is understandable that we want everyone to cheer and let the football team know people are rooting for them, but all that is possible without giving impolite gestures or rudley criticizing others. We need to be welcoming the freshmen, not scaring them away. To reiterate the foundations of who we are as Eagles, we have to acknowledge the influence Olathe North has had on us and the components of being an Eagle.

As an eagle we accept each person as an individual by allowing them to cheer when they want and be as expressive as they want. We let people enjoy high school the way they wish to, and give everyone the freedom to be who they choose to be. Each person cannot be shaped into the same exact student; if they are themselves at school then every one of us will be able to call North home.

There are many ways for us to exhibit our school spirit, whether it’s by our clothing or by “showing off ” our school pride on social media.

Purchasing school merchandise can be influenced by staff and students modeling and creating an environment where people regularly

10 | The chronicle | issue 2

wear Olathe North spirit wear. Posters, pep rallies, and verbal updates are also great ways to promote school events, however social media can be more powerful in this day and age when used with positive motives. If we all retweet and share Olathe North activities we can show that school is not just a bucket of stress, but the kind of place that we like to be.

Along with displaying North pride to the world, we should work to get involved and incorporate everyone in our clubs. Clubs and organizations at North should strive to be fun and appealing to all groups of students. We have a lot of clubs to join as well as activities that each student can attend in order to be a part of our school and have a good time. We all need to be examples of enthusiastic, kind, supportive students at sporting events and other school activities to show future Eagles when and how to cheer on our school.

In all of the activities at Olathe North we should protect, respect, and care for one another. If we see anyone berating our peers, we as Eagles need to let that person know that that is not the way we do things at Olathe North. We are the type of students who defends their own.

By being the model of pride, we can pass dowm our school spirit to incoming Olathe North students, so that in the end, school pride will actually be meaningful to them. New generations coming to Olathe North will admire us all for the pride we take in being Eagle, so why not show them how we came to be who we are?

Do you think Olathe North has enough school pride?

“I think Olathe North pride has definitely changed over the years. As the school has gotten bigger it has been tougher to unify the entire student body. I have seen a great energy increase in pride this year!”

Amy Clement, Honors Chemistry

“Yes, but [it] also depends on the student— some have more [school spirit] than others, but it balances itself out.”

Prinston Hoang, Junior

Has school pride changed since you were in high school?

“I think before the internet, school was a place for students to gather and talk to each other. So having school spirit back then was what was done for fun, whereas now with Snapchat and Fakebook, I think we participate not as [one] anymore.”

William Darter, English

“No, I think we were very proud to be Olathe North Eagles, even when it was Olathe North versus Olathe South... and people were very passionate to be an Eagle, and I think that tradition still lives on today.”

Julie Fishburn, Social Studies

issue 2 | the chronicle | 11

Eagle Sports CROSS COUNTRY TENNIS BOYS SOCCER GOLF FOOTBALL VOLLEYBALL

November 2o16 12 | The chronicle | issue 2

Cross Country

By Rachel Delehanty Staff Writer

Olathe North Cross Country has been working hard everyday after school to keep their title as state champions. On saturday October, 29 both the varsity teams competed at state in Lawrence, Kansas.

Sophomore Varsity runner, Julia Sketers has been on the team both years and was very excited for her first attempt at state.

Sketers comments that they “had improved a lot, I’m nervous, but we [the athletes] are phyisical ready.” The coach continued to push them to become a better athletes and young runners.

The athletes continue to work in their off season to prepare themselves for next year. The team is hoping to return to state next season and to work as a team and bring home another win for Olathe North.

Tennis

The Cross Country team smiles for one of their last practices before state.

Photo Courtasy of Kim Dicus

By Rachel Delehanty Staff Writer

Niama Patel talks to her coach before her last match of state

.

Photo Courtesy of Josh Price

From late June to mid October, the girls tennis team had been working hard every day after school. They finished the season with placing at regiona;s and sending Niama Patel to state.

State was held in Topeka, Kansas on October 15. Becase of only one athlete being able to make it to state her practice days became harder and longer. It took her an adjustment because she had to begin to work with new people and her coach, individually.

Patel comments that her and her coach, Wendy Robinson, went to “Olathe South to practice with the girls’ Tennis team.” Also on the days where she didn’t go to Olathe South, she practiced with coach Robinson individually.

The hard work finally paid off, Patel won 2 of her matches at state. Excitingly she commented that she was “very nervouse, but it was worth it. I am just ready to come back and play next year.” issue 2 | the chronicle | 13

Soccer By: Haley McGriff Staff Writer

The varsity boys soccer team has been putting in many hours after school in hopes of a return to Regionals and dominate over any school in their way.

When asked “Do you think your team has what it takes to make it back to regionals?” Senior Girma Kassa answered “Yes, I believe we got what it takes to be regional champs again, and even win state”.

The boys went into regionals with confidence against Blue Valley Northwest but suddenly found themselves down 3-0 with the goals piling in with only 12 minutes to battle back. They rallied as a team and tied the game up 3-3 as the whistle blew and regulation was over. After two sudden death matches Blue Valley won 5-4 in penalty kicks.

After this school year, the seniors will be leaving and the remaining varsity players will have to pick up the slack for next year’s season. “If we put in the work, we can be as good as any other team” says Eder Hernandez, Junior. They will be looking forward at another shot against BVNW. The Junior Varsity Boys run in after the national anthem ready to play.

Golf

By Autumn Mesmer Staff Writer

Varsity golfer’s smile for a picture at their tournament.

14 | The chronicle | issue 2

Photo Courtasy of Josh Price

Photo By Kylee Weber

The Olathe North Lady Eagles Golf Team has had minor accolades and very few players in past seasons, but this year, that’s not the case. Because of the increase in players and hard work, they developed a varsity team and acquired awards while creating new friendships and bonds throughout the team.

“We all did great throughout the whole season,” says varsity golfer Maddie Herman on wrapping up the Lady Eagles Golf season.

Tessa Mozingo, a freshman golfer, added “on the last tournament, we did the best we’ve ever done.”

This year has been like no other. Not only did the team have ten golfers, (in the past there has only been an average of three,) they got some higher awards compared to former seasons. Justine Strickland was chosen for the Second Team All Sunflower League, and Maddie Herman along with Alyx Bishop were honorable mentions for All-Sunflower. All of the girls had relentless determination to make their way to the top, unlike past years where they simply didn’t maintain their sportsmanship, passion, and endurance to achieve the ultimate goal: state. Unfortunately, they didn’t make it to state this season, but were extremely close and continue to never give up on that goal.

Their season finished with a celebration banquet on October 27th, but it doesn’t end there. They are already thinking ahead and looking forward to next year’s season. They plan to get better and improve their golfing skills even more. Teammate Justine Strickland revealed that even though she is a senior this year, she hopes the future teams will have “individuals qualify for state, if not the entire team.”

The 2016 Lady Eagles Golf Team clearly worked hard and played hard, and will continue to do so in the years to come. They still reached their goals, even scored under 100 before the season was over. With all of their persevering efforts, the season concluded on a high note at regionals, and Coach Richard Sula said himself: “we were playing our best golf.”

FOOTBALL

By Grant Hrabik Staff Writer

Olathe North Football season draws to a close as the team played it’s final game on October 28. The team has improved over the season but they ended with a 3-6 record, nearly beating Olathe South 21-20.

The team showed areas of improvemnet throughout the season. “At times we played really good,” said senior Deion Poindexter, “ and other Senior Wyatt Creek gets his arm stretched during the game by head Sports Med Trainer Hayden Foster. times we struggle.” Olathe North has been outscored by opponents Photo By: Kylee Weber 101-218.

However, for the team the grass is greener on the otherside. “This is a new team,” said junior Jordan Dubin, “and most of us are first year starters.” The team is working to gel together as a team before they set their sights on a state title. “ At the end of the season we want to become a better team and work better as a team,” said Coach Doug Catloth. This year is a rebuilding year after the team lost the majority of their starters last year. The issue of a solid quarterback has riddled the offense with problems, however they are working and adapting to the new players.

Olathe North Football is just playing for their defending title. Many can only look on as the team slowly starts to show improvement and team work on and off the field. “The season is off to a slow start,” said Poindexter. The future looks bright for the young Eagles but all they can do now is hope to finish the season playing hard. The boys are hoping to make it to state and defend their titles and finish the season with a win.

Volleyball

By Kylee Weber Editor

The varsity girls huddle up at the Dig Pink Cancer Awareness Game.

Photo By Kylee Weber

The game is coming to an end, the girls set their selves up for an amazing season. These athletes played their heart out, and competed with the top school in the state.

Junior Marrisa Hines comments that “we built off of each other and competed with one another.” The girls practiced every day including friday morning practice. They continued to push each other to be a better athlete and “never take it easy on each other” shares Hines. With the competition the girls faced every week they strived to become better.

Sophomore Sydney Sheir said “The team has had their ups and downs, definitely had rough games. However [they] learned, then competed even harder. It was just the little things we had to adjust.” Over the season the girls had an amazing season ending with a record of 20-17. The team worked hard and accomplished their goal, beating Olathe North West.

Overall, the girls competed hard with one another, and continue to work hard, due to the amount of under classmen that have the experience the team gets to build off of this season and come back next year ready to win and play their biggest rivals. issue 2 | the chronicle | 15

What happens when sports meet culture?

By Adam Coffman Staff Writer

Modern sport may very well be one of the greatest inventions of mankind, clearly on a different plane of being than the famed Seven Wonders but perhaps equal in terms of impact and meaning.

In the incubator of immensely prosperous modern American society, these games-turned-businesses not only consolidate into an industry valued at over $60 billion, according to Forbes, but form a veritable isolated reality, an artificial construct existing in a state independent of outside, “real-world” concerns.

When this seclusion is broken, however, the effects and reactions can range greatly depending on the context. Generally, the veil is thrown off in two ways; culture can be forced into the sports frame, often through tragedy, or sport can invade the fabric of everyday life, usually as a result of activism.

It takes something culturally shocking or altering for this bridge to be constructed; sports almost by principle prefer to be absolved of all involvement in goings-on outside of their sphere of influence. Any such intervention would break the illusion of reality that has made the industry so profitable.

That isn’t to say this intent is malicious or meant to mislead, it is simply easier for the sports world to practice isolationism, as any

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other such philosophy runs the risk of turning off potential business.

There are however, as history proves, many instances in which profit or public relations become irrelevant and tewams, league, and players fully acknowledge and even embrace the dynamic world around them.

These are the moments that become immortal within both the sports and mainstream communities, but unfortunately, these moments often come about as a result of great tragedy.

Perhaps the most famous embodiment of this type of event occurred in the autumn of 2001, days after the September 11 attacks.

Understandably, Major League Baseball cancelled all immediate games following the events, with play set to resume a full nine days later. However, it was the day after, September 21, that would truly start the healing process for many Americans. That night, the New York Mets took on the Atlanta Braves in the first major sporting event in New York since the fateful day.

As President George Bush encouraged the nation to push towards a “return to normalcy” in the aftermath of 9/11, sports came to represent a safe haven, a known area of comfort where the frightening realities of the universe could be forgotten for a short time.

As Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves said,

“those fans who showed up that night, they just wanted to see some baseball... and forget about their troubles for a few hours”.

That isn’t to say that the events of September 21 completely neglected the still-fresh wounds of the attack, in fact, the game itself surely would not have resonated with the public as it has without the powerful emotions exhibited.

Before the game, members of both teams, about 50 in total, met on the field for an unplanned embrace that seemed to display a newfound American ideology - regardless of differences, people were stronger when bonded together against fear and the unknown.

Again from Jones, “I think it was a great show to the rest of the world and the rest of the country that there are a lot bigger things in the world than this game… It wasn’t about who was going to win or lose”.

The Braves/Mets game that night has had lasting impact for these elements as well as its dramatic complexion, with star Mets catcher Mike Piazza blasting a game-winning home run in the late innings to the deafening roar of the crowd, with one swing of the bat providing an excuse to cheer and giving hope to any viewer that somehow, some way, things were going to get better.

More recently baseball once again became

The MLB baseball team, the Marlins, gathers together after the death of their fellow teamate Jose Fernandez. the focus, rather than the distractor, of the mainstream after another tragic event.

Star Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was just 24 years old when he was killed in a boating accident off Miami beach this September, and understandably, his passing rocked not only the Marlins but the surrounding baseball universe.

Fans and the sport itself responded appropriately - homemade memorials were left at Marlins Park, jersey sales of Fernandez’s number 16 skyrocketed, and many important figures inside the baseball world recounted how they themselves were touched by the young man universally described as bounwdlessly joyful. This is a touching tribute from an organization that has seemed to portray itself as cold and unfeeling, but looking outside the window of Major League Baseball reveals another demographic intrinsically tied to Fernandez’s legacy. A native Cuban, Fernandez’s journey to the big leagues wasn’t at all conventional, as he only succeeded in defecting his home country on his fourth attempt, a previous such endeavor landing him in prison for a short time.

See, baseball wasn’t simply a means of employment to Fernandez, as we see from his visibly apparent love for the game, and nor was it a boyhood hobby turned into profit. To many like Fernandez, his success was the embodiment of their own hopes, a living monument to perseverance, and an inspiration to those in search of the American Dream. The combination of athletic greatness and cultural significance is what elevated Fernandez to such meaning and created the beautiful yet tragic moments that achieve societal immortality.

These moments take on a greater cultural significance because of the provocative intersection of sport and mainstream culture, which in this case may be better described

as mainstream emotion. Not without the cooperation of the sporting biosphere could the moments described above take place, so the contribution of athletic entities is almost universally cherished in these instances.

Of course, there is another type of junction between sport and culture, one that occurs when a sport or sporting figures insert themselves into the politics or other mainstream dialogue of the modern day.

This intervention often comes with a considerable amount of controversy, as the topics involved traditionally invoke a divisive conversation that spawned the activism in the first place.

As in the case of Fernandez, there is a modern example of this phenomenon that has made news recently in the case of Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback who this fall began kneeling during the playing of the national anthem as a means of protesting, in his words, “a country that oppresses black people and people of color”.

Upon reading that statement, or perhaps with prior knowledge of the situation, there is likely an immediate (and varying, depending on the reader) reaction to the scenario that underscores the dichotomy between Kaepernick and the cases discussed earlier.

Virtually no one dissents that the raw emotion produced in the cases of post-9/11 or Fernandez do not and did not add an enriching element of real importance to the sport.

In the case of Kaepernick however, discourse abounds, both on the player’s right to protest and the content and ideology behind the action.

Also unlike the previous cases has been the reaction from the affected sports entity itself, in this case the National Football League. With anger spewing on both sides of the issue, the NFL has attempted to distance themselves from the issue, offering up a

half-hearted endorsement of Kaepernick’s right to protest but not explicitly condoning or condemning the actions. One could surmise financial motivations are in play, after all, television ratings have fallen upwards of 16% from years previous in the same time frame as Kaepernick’s divisive actions.

This unwillingness to deviate from business matters has the dark tendency to manifest itself in more menacing ways, yet another intersection of sport and culture although a less public junction by design.

The fact that Kaepernick’s actions and speech supersede the league’s social isolationism only speaks to the power that the athlete wields in these instances. Maintaining this property is essential for the continuation of the phenomenon that makes up the backbone of this writing - as we’ve seen, the leagues in question cannot be trusted to uphold it, so those like Kaepernick are pushing the envelope positively in a context completely unrelated to his politics.

The sports industry and its practitioners are a tremendously powerful entity in a social context, but this leverage often fails to establish itself easily. Players can be empowered, as in the case of Kaepernick or Fernandez, to gain a platform or inspire a people in an uplifting display of cultural prowess, but this action can be detrimental to the entities ruling the cultural landscape at hand.

In an age of almost complete intersectionality and hyper-awareness, the existence of such a powerful force practicing social isolation should be cause for debate as to its motives; after all, we are all better off when sports and culture intersect.

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By Lauren Yoksh Editor Photos courtesy of MJ Ferguson, Dustin Pence, and Kylee Weber

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north

1. and 2. Olathe North hosted its annual Trick-or-Treat Night on October 26. The school welcomed members of the community to enjoy a safe night of trick-or-treating. Extracurricular groups, including Eagle Service Club, Student Democrats, Student Republicans, and the softball team, decorated rooms and passed out candy to families.

3. The sophomore Honors Chemistry classes filled the courtyard with their interpretation of tombstones of famous science figures. Sophomore Bella Serrano’s favorite part about the so-called “Graveyard Project” was the opportunity to “[be] creative” in chemistry.

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views

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4. and 5. The Olathe North Theatre department kicked off its 2016 fall season of shows with “The Election” by Don Zolidis. Relevant to the 2016 presidential race, the comedy follows an increasingly nasty campaign between two candidates for Presley High School’s student body president. “The Election” was performed October 13, 14, and 15 in the Little Theater.

6. Students performed short, student-written skits in the Blue Room each night before “The Election.”

Beginning at 6:30, the actors would remain frozen until audience members approached them. The “living museum” skits were based on contentious presidential elections and party differences. issue 2 | the chronicle | 19

by Tijen Jones Staff Writer designed by Abigail miles Editor

English teacher Denise Debonis poses fashionably with her daughter, Olathe North Sophomore.

help! my parent teaches here Parents and students have almost always had a complicated relationship, but when a student’s parent is also present at their school, it could ruin their social life. Surprisingly, this traumatic experience is more common than you think. Normally, parents separate their work life from their family life, but when they have a kid that goes to the same school, it upsets that balance.

Both students and teachers have difficulties with this equilibrium that is set and yet, most seem to love the other going to school with them.

From the student’s perspective, teenage years already provide more homework, hormones, and hostility than should be allowed, and a parent constantly monitoring them day in and day out does not help. Sophomore Katy Cronin states “If I mess up or make a mistake, she usually knows right away.”

This stress adds to an already full cadence of anxieties.

Socially, this could also cripple relationships with friends. If their parents are always telling other students about every time they mess up, it is humiliating to even walk through the hallways without someone mentioning how you were drooling during dinner last night. Not all students feel this way, though. Surprisingly, most students actually enjoy having their parent attend the same school as them. “I like it,” says sophomore Nate Martin. “Plus I have a ride home.” Not only this, but their parent’s room can provide a safe haven from the pressures of school – or an easy way to snag a snack. Despite this previously thought harrowing event, a unique bond is created.

From the teacher’s perspective, having their child attend

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their school can be a lot more work than most would think.

English teacher Denise Debonis states “I have to be a mom and a teacher and it is like having two jobs at once. Sometimes the two collide, so it has been an adjustment.”

This hectic concoction can be extremely disrupting and confusing. With mountains of papers to grade, tests to create, and lessons to conjure up, this just adds another task to the list.

Despite this, having a child present at their school can bring about something wonderful. This opportunity is one that many parents are not granted. For the teachers, it could be the only time that they can see their child during the day. With AP classes and homework galore, time for family bonding is significantly reduced - not to mention the security this relationship provides. Even though they are in different classes, there is safety in knowing that other teachers are looking out for their child, too. All of these things create a whirlwind of stress that was not originally there, yet the occasion to see someone you love everyday is a special opportunity.

Both students and teachers have a strange dynamic when the other is present at their school. For the students, a large amount of stress and anxiety that didn’t exist before is placed on them and yet they love it for the relationship it builds. For the teachers, they juggle two jobs when both parenting and teaching are involved, creating a chaotic atmosphere, but are granted a doorway to communicating with their child. Despite these hardships, this dynamic the parent and student share transforms into something that neither side would choose to live without.

Branden o’brien

Do you constantly get questions about who your parent is- “They have the same last name as you” from other students.

“Yes I have a lot. I got used to it.”

How has it affected your school and social life?

“It makes me work harder. I don’t skip as much school because of her.”

Julie o’brien

Do you enjoy having your kids at the school you teach at?

“I enjoy having my children as students at Olathe North. Braden is my third to go here. I Don’t see them often unless they need money or a signature, but I have been an eagle for 25 years and I love my kids getting to experience it too. We have great teachers that really care for my kids.”

Do you feel as though you limit your child’s social life?

“I would say no, as I know the kids here and probably give them more freedoms when I know who they hang around. I am sure they would disagree.”

nate Martin Do you constantly get questions about who your parent is- “They have the same last name as you” from other students.

“Yeah I do. A lot. Also a lot of people ask me if both of my parents are here since there is a Mr. Martin and Mrs. Martin. I have to keep telling them no.”

Do you enjoy having your parent as a teacher at your school? Why or why not?

“I like it. Plus I have a ride home.”

Jason Martin

How has having your child at your school affected how you teach or just in general your work life?

“I think he’s a pretty unique kid in that he doesn’t really care that he’s associated with me. I think my daughter might be more sensitive to me saying “Hey!” In the hallways. He will high five me in the hallway. So it hasn’t done anything accept make it a more pleasant day.”

Do you ever help your child in your subject so they get farther ahead than other students?

“I feel like I more try to get him caught up than ahead. So I have helped with some English but not to get ahead.”

Katy cronin “ I don’t usually see her before or after school except when she drives me, but if I mess up or make a mistake she usually knows right away and it is hard to get away with things.

How has it affected your school and social life? “ It makes it easier. If I need something she can just run and get it for me.”

ANdrea cronin

How has having your child at your school affected how you teach or just in general your work life?

“It’s just kind of weird because sometimes I’ll have her friends in class so that’s kind of different for me. But because they know me on a personal level, which is not that big of a deal, you have to keep that professionalism. Also other kids know of her and it’s weird being called ‘mama Cronin’ in the halls or whatever because I’m like ‘oh yeah I guess I am old enough to be her mom,’ because until she got up here I guess I just kind of didn’t think of myself as being old enough to have a high schooler and I get reminded on a daily basis that yes, I am.”

issue 2 | the chronicle | 21

What happened to the Good ol’ school dance? by isabella bray Staff Writer

design by Magda Werkmeister Editor

Would people notice if there were 30 years without Olathe North football? No late-night football games, pep rallies or celebrated victories? People would not stand for it, much less stand by as it withered away.

Olathe North has been missing something for 30 years—a once long-standing tradition that was highly anticipated only to be left

behind and forgotten, a chance for students to come together, a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a Winter Dance.

For nearly 30 years Olathe North has been plagued with the loss of a Winter Dance, disappearing from the yearbooks and minds of students. But why did the Winter Dance vanish in the first place? Why is

Olathe North the only Olathe school without a Winter Dance? Why hasn’t the Winter Dance come back? The truth is students simply stopped going so there was no longer a reason to hold a Winter Dance.

Every other Olathe school has some form of a Winter Dance, whether it is a Winter Formal or WPA (Women Pay All), that is

“[There should be a Winter Dance] because normally there would be a Sadie Hawkins...

It also gives the underclassmen [the chance] to go to another dance besides homecoming.”

—Collette Wright

“I think we should [have a Winter Dance] because there is a long period between Homecoming and Prom.”

—Alex Kolar

“I think [a Winter Dance] would put a nice buffer between Homecoming and Prom [as] a more relaxed dance. People wouldn’t have to worry so much about the Winter Dance being over-the-top expensive and the underclassmen would have an opportunity to go to more than one dance a year.”

—Erin Gassen

taken just as seriously as our Homecoming is. Olathe North’s Homecoming had nearly 1,300 students in attendance, proving that students would not ignore a dance being held. Olathe South has a Winter Dance February 18 and Olathe East has a WPA one week later on February 25. This begs the question; what happened to Olathe North’s

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annual Winter Dance?

When asked if the title of the dance (WPA or Winter Formal) mattered in the decision to attend or not, Olathe North sophmore Brandon Holzmark said he “would go anyways.”

Olathe North Assistant Principal Mrs. Noteboom explains that, “If students would

attend [a WPA or Winter Formal], we would have it.”

Mrs. Miller, resource teacher and co-leader of GSA (Gay Straight Allience), believes “it should be the choice of the students” whether or not to have a WPA or Winter Formal.

When 150 students were asked if they

would go to a WPA or Winter Formal, 93% of them said they would, which dismisses the notion that students would not attend a Winter Dance.

But the reason the Olathe North Winter Dances disappeared in the first place was because students stopped attending them.

While it is hard to decifer why students stopped going to the dances in the 1980s, Olathe North students of the twenty-first century have a wide range of reasons to prevent them from going to school dances.

A reason for students not to go to a Winter Dance would really be that “they are working,” said Olathe North junior Holly Evanson.

Olathe North junior Alaura Custard wishes that the school dances, Prom especially, weren’t so expensive, adding to the list of reasons keeping students at home during the much anticipated school dances.

Another concern keeping students from going to school dances is that they feel as though they need to go with a date or they can’t go at all. The title WPA itself could seem staggering to girls who wouldn’t want

to go out of their comfort zone to ask a boy to the dance. But out of the polled students, only 39% of students said they would only attend homecoming with a date.

The other 61% of students believed it was perfectly fine to go to a school dance with friends.

“The most important thing is to have fun and that a female student should not have to ask a boy to a WPA dance just because of the title,” said Olathe North junior Misha Marin.

Ms. Gray, sophomore Pre-AP English teacher and co-leader of GSA, explained how “social activities are one of the highlights of high school.”

But for some reason a Winter Dance was left out of the question.

Out of 150 students asked, Out 82% said they of the 123 students th- went to homecoming and 18% said at said they they did not. went to homecoming, 60% Out went with frien- of 150 studs and 40% dents asked, 93% went with said they would a date. attend a WPA held at North and 7% said they would not.

On the left, students dance at the 2016 Homecoming. Almost 1,300 students were in attendance.

Below, junior David Genis dances at Homecoming.

Photos courtesy of Ana Schulte, Editor

issue 2 | the chronicle | 23

The Sophomore Squad Lattes and Not-tes

BY Amara Lindsey, Isabella Bray, Rachel delehanty, and yustina erazo Staff writers Designed by Ana Schulte Editor

Fall. A time when the weather cools from the blazing heat of the summer and people start up the long standing traditions of hayrides, trick or treating, and drinking hot apple cider. Now people are starting a new tradition: drinking Starbuck’s famous pumpkin spice latte. But pumpkin spice is no longer specific to lattes anymore, much less the Unites States. The pumpkin spice flavoring is in everything all over the world, from beer to Oreos to even chap stick.

Joining in on the pumpkin spice craze is supposed to be fun, right? One would think until they drop $5 on just one latte and suddenly the new pumpkin spice bandwagon seems like an overpriced ticket into the world of pumpkin spice. So instead of draining your wallets, you can now create your own lattes with everyday household items.

Enter the Sophomore Squad to take on the challenge: Amara, a theatre student who likes to cook, Yustina, a medical professions member who loves to take on new adventures, Isabella, a Geoscience student who loves to read and occasionally binge watch Netflix and Rachel, an Animal Health student and the sweetest person you will ever meet, thought instead of becoming broke as a joke this fall, we could recreate the pumpkin spice latte, chile mocha and salted caramel latte, with some everyday household ingredients, including chili seasoning, hot chocolate powder, and pumpkin puree. When someone says it took a lot of trial and error, they were not messing around.

We were on a mission to recreate the perfect fall drinks with what we could find in the kitchen. First we researched Pinterest latte recipes to get an idea of how to make a latte. We also went to the store to get the ingredients that we did not already have. Before actually making the lattes, we also got the original ones from Starbucks to compare. Then it was time to latte!

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We started off trying the very iconic pumpkin spice latte. Starbuck’s version includes a pumpkin spice sauce to give the latte the all too familiar pumpkin flavoring. We had failed miserably the first and second time. The taste of pumpkin was overpowering in both of the lattes. The first latte also had an abundance of cinnamon that overwhelmed the taste buds. But that may have been because the dash became an accidental dump of cinnamon. The second pumpkin spice latte had the right amount of cinnamon but the pumpkin flavoring was still on the strong side. By the third attempt, the pumpkin spice latte was a success! We dialed back on the pumpkin flavoring to only one tablespoon and the cinnamon to three dashes to give the latte a hint of spice. The base of the latte had half of a cup of milk and half teaspoon of vanilla extract in addition to the pumpkin and cinnamon. This was then added to the already brewed coffee.

The chili mocha latte-a brand new Starbuck’s latte still hidden by the shadow of the infamous pumpkin spice latte-was dreadful. The smell of the latte ranged from a taco to chicken, depending on who you asked. The first attempt to recreate the chili mocha latte was... interesting. While there was chili powder in the latte for the chili flavoring, it was extremely strong, to the point of needing some water.But still determined to make this unlikely flavor a hit for a latte, we tried again. The second time the chili mocha latte had a hot chocolate powder base instead of cocoa powder.

The salted caramel lattenot as infamous as its pumpkin spice counterpart, but still popular-posed some problems as well. Because the word “salted” is in the name, it’s assumed there should be a tinge of salt in the latte… but it shouldn’t be doused in sea salt. We learned this the hard way. A fourth of a teaspoon may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things, but it can pack a punch, (and it did) so we decided to dial it back to let the caramel

A teaspoon may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things, but it can pack a punch (and it did indeed pack a punch), so we decided to dial it back to let the caramel flavor come through. The second attempt at the salted caramel latte reflected this. We only added a fourth of a teaspoon of sea salt along with three tablespoons of caramel sauce and a half cup of milk to make the base.

Although we continually created disasters, we weren’t going to accept a failure. By the third time we had mastered the skills of the D.I.Y. latte. We had succeeded in recreating the perfect Starbucks drinks and we didn’t have to break the bank to do so. Although we learned that D.I.Y.s can be messy, trial and error was definitely the key to making the perfect fall drink.

issue 2 | the chronicle | 25

Are you afraid?

Written and edited by Kailey Scharff & Symone Sanders

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With the spirit of Halloween comes frightning costumes, horror movie marathons, and a mind full of fear. We all know what it feels like to be scared of something but we may never truely know why we are scared of it, especially if it’s an irrational fear. We may know what it feels like but do we really know what happens physiologically when we determine a threat or become fearful of danger?

The brain is held accountable for just about every bodily function there is and the role it plays in fear is enough to spook you out. The only way we can determine how the brain responds to fear is to come face to face with the most common phobias in the world and determine the brain’s reaction to each. Before we do that we have to know just how the brain works when fear becomes involved.

Like most emotions, your brain is responsible for the concept of fear and everything that goes into the process of becoming scared. The main part of the brain’s “fear center” is the amygdala; a small, almond shaped piece of the brain that is in charge of decoding emotions which then allows it to determine possible threats. The thalamus located in the mid reigon of the brain is accountable for sendin incoming sensory data throughout other parts of the brain including the sensory cortex and the hypothamlamus. The sensory cortex is in charge of interpreting the recieved sensory data while the hypothalamus is responsible for preparing the body for the “fight or flight” response.

This response will cause your palms to become sweaty, and your breathing to become heavy due to your heart beating faster. This allows the body to prepare to fight the threat or to run away from it. Overall the process of becoming scared begins with an alarming stimulus and ends with the same reaction. issue 1 | the chronicle | 3

Issue 2 | The Chronicle | 27

Top 10 Fears in the world 1. Arachnophobia (Spiders)

Spiders are defined as an eight legged arachnid with an unsegmented body and these predatory creatures have became the number one fear around the world. Many people assume that we shouldn’t be scared of something that we are 100x bigger than, but these creepy crawling guys can give you the hibby jeebies. According to many psychologists this fear of spiders begins because of some incident that happened to us involving spiders such as getting bit. One who suffers from this common disorder can go to their local pet store and hold a tarantula. Go big or go home.

2. Ophidiophobia (Snakes)

Snakes are often known for shedding their skin which can really freak someone out. Although they can be a good pet for some people, more often than not people are scared to even see one. Research suggests that people have developed a tendency to learn to fear these slithery creatures because of the consequences that we have instinctivly learned over the years and the danger of snakes in general. Many people choose to hold a snake or get a small one for a pet in order to get used to the snake itself which can help decrease the symptoms that come with being scared of snakes.

3. Acrophobia (Heights)

Five percent of the general population suffer from a fear of heights but when you think about it are they really scared of how high up they are or are they more afraid of the fall? It is said that people with the phobia feel a sense of panic when at a certain height, so much that they become unable to trust their sense of balance. Being scared of heights can put a damper on ones life because rollercoasters, cliff jumping and most exhilerating things involve a hefty height. One may start riding more rollercoasters (none that go upside down of course) to help them overcome the fear of falling to their death.

4. Argoraphobia (Crowded/Open Spaces)

According to its medical definition, agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that cause intense fear of any situation where an escape may be difficult. Often times people who suffer from this fear will almost never leave their house, even due to bodily needs. Eight percent of adults over the age of 18 suffer from this disorder and have also never had a history of panic disorders. To gradually decrease the anxiety that comes with this phobia, one should start out by surrounding themselves with small crowds similar to the ones in elevators and eventually work their way up to going to a football game or a concert.

5. Cynophobia (Dogs)

To most people the fear of dogs is the most bizzare because when we think about dogs we think of cuddling and taking them for walks. Fear is never the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of puppies and dogs.

More often than not, a fear of dogs stems from a traumatic experience with them whether that is from being attacked or bitten. This is such a unique fear due to the prevalence of dogs throughout the world that it is shocking that a huge portion of the population are afraid of even the smallest dogs. To overcome this fear people can start by interacting with family dogs that have always been around people and tend to be more friendly.

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6. Astraphobia (Thunder and lightning)

Thunder and lightning has always been considered a scary thing since we were kids. You would wake up in the middle of the night to your room filled with light and next thing you know, one mississippi later, thunder would erupt within your room and shake the entire house. Although thunder and lightning are a normal part of nature, it is often seen as destructive and can even end with catastrophic events, which in itself can plant the seeds of fear in someone. People suffering from this fear can do a lot to help lessen the stress that comes along with it by getting informed about storms.

7. Claustrophobia (Confined spaces)

Similiar to agoraphobia, calustrophobia is also an anxiety disorder where the individual has an irrational fear of being “closed in” a space or essentially being in such a tight situation that they can no longer breathe or react. This seemingly common fear actually only affects four percent of the world’s population. It is said that people who suffer from spatial distortion are more easily affected by this than those who do not. An easy step to recovering from this phobia is to ride in crowded elevators. Start out in the front so it is easier to breathe and slowly work your way back until you feel brave enough to move into the back corner where it is harder to escape.

8. Mysophobia (Germs)

We all know that one person who washes their hands right after they’ve shaken yours. in our minds were perceive them as germophobes or germ freaks. This particular disorder stems from a more common disorder known as OCD. One of the most common forms of OCD is washing your hands after doing anything. This complulsion can lead to the fear of germs because people feel the need to constantly rid their hands of germs and grime. This phobia can also branch off into one becoming a hypochrondriac, which is someone who is abnormally anxious abou their health. Progressively, people can go longer and longer each time between washing their hands until they have diminished the phobia completely.

9. Aerophobia (Airplanes)

This phobia is almost identical to acrophobia in the way that it is a fear of flying which puts you over 40,000 feet up in the air (for an average plane). Another reason behind this fear is the thoughts that television and media have put into our minds. Now-a-days many tv shows and news articles terrorist attacks on planes and many action movies involve plane crashes or explosions. Often times this fear stems from another fear and actually has nothing to do with flying at all. People with calustrophobia may be panicky on a plane because there is not a plan for escape and you have to be in close proximity with people, sometimes even strangers. Most times people withthis fear will seek therapy that allows them to learn to distinguish fear from danger in order to help them remain calm on plane flights.

10. Tryophobia (Holes)

Research suggests that many people are scared of the unknown which allows us to infer why most people have a fear of holes. In rare cases it can even become a general fear of shapes. Just like the previous fear this one can stem from others such as arachnophobia and ophidiophobia because people don’t know what is going to come out of holes in the ground. Majority of people with this phobia even have a fear of holes in their skin or any hollow circle that could be considered a hole. This fear is considered to be pyschological as each person imagines a different scene coming from within the hole.

Issue 2 | The chronicle | 29

Skyler Says...

By Skyler Daniels Editor

You know, when everybody you know urges you to not do something, when every single person you ask is terrified and defensive about doing it? Probably shouldn’t do it.

Ouija Boards are one of those things.

But it’s hard to believe a piece of plastic-covered wood made by Hasbro could be so infamously haunted. It’s manufactured by the thousands by one of the biggest toy companies in the world, where is the room for ghosts? Where do demons fit on the assembly line? Since the board’s invention, scientists have tried to explain why the planchette in the center moves, blaming it on muscle and brain phenomenons. And how many times has Hollywood capitalized on the idea, furthering reality from fiction? Even with all of that, with all the non-Ouija believers in the world, the board is still recognized for it’s supernatural fame and played with caution. The name still has a stigma.

With all my doubts, and my impulsive attitude, I bought a Ouija board at my local thrift store, gathered my own mystery gang, and waited to disprove the Ouija board.

On Wednesday late afternoon, I gathered my crew: Alex, Nick, Michelle, Erin, and Courtney. These proud souls helped me set up our camp at our own secluded clearing overlooking the cliffs at Olathe Lake. After almost tripping to my death over the cliffs, they helped me place blankets over the rocks, lighting incense and a handful of candles all around us. We placed the Ouija board on top and Alex and Courtney repeated old Wiccan prayers while we held hands in a circle. Surrounded by candles at night, hearing the waves crashing a hundred feet below you, holding hands with your stupid friends circling a Ouija board while witch prayers are being chanted at you? We were getting into serious cult territory and I didn’t

know how to feel about that. Any moment longer and the chips and dip we brought would turn into a cup of goat blood we had to drink.

We began to use the board, three at a time. For the longest while, nothing happened. The planchette would move, but it wouldn’t spell out anything at first and it was moving so slow that my group was starting to lose interest. After they started to get restless, I decided to do a stupid thing and do it by myself. I placed my two fingers on the piece, moved it around, asked politely if there was anybody there, and waited. It didn’t take long for the piece to start moving. Excitedly, I asked what their name was. The board spelled out T – A – G. I started to get a little trill of panic, so I asked if Tag was their name. I hoped it was, because the other option was a little child-ghost wanting to play tag and I was NOT there for that. Luckily, the piece moved towards YES. It stayed there when

“Remember that time I raised the dead?”

30 | The chronicle | issue 2

I asked if they were a girl. Tag The Lady and I were becoming fast friends until Erin decided to open her fat mouth and ask if Tag had died there on the cliffs. Nothing happened for a second. Michelle laughed and begged Tag to get off the YES space – she did, much to their relief. They both stopped paying attention to the moving chip when the others finally came back from their break. Nobody except me noticed what the board was spelling. J – U – M – P. It’s not like we were on the edge of a cliff or anything! I quickly said goodbye and held back for a turn. After a short while, they all agreed that it was getting late and started to pack up. I sat up to help clean, but then, all of a sudden, I just felt so sad. I just started sobbing – and I’m not talking regular sobbing, I’m talking giant, loud, blubbering, old man sobbing. I sounded like I was crying for hours; giant baby tears fell down my face and dribbled past my chin, and I physically couldn’t stop. And this did come out of nowhere, with no buildup of tears. I went from completely fine to bawling baby in five seconds. And I cry a lot, and I mean a lot, but I don’t sob – and if I do, it’s after a long period where I’m consistently crying, like a funeral or a series finale. It was weird.

Nick hugged me really tightly but nothing helped. I kept staring at the barely visible lake, thinking it looked so pretty and so cold and that it would feel so good to jump in it.

They all agreed I needed to get out of there.

So half the group helped me up and out of the lake trail. And the minute I stepped out of that place and walk towards my car, I felt fine. Completely fine. My tears dried before we even got to the car, and I felt so normal I

Nick, Courtney, and I Photo Courtesy of: Erin Gassen

hopped in the driver’s seat without a second thought, much to my group’s dismay. I even joked about the whole thing on the way to pick up the others.

Hours pass. I get ice cream and drop them all off, one by one. The last one to drop off was Alex, and I complain that we didn’t even do the Ouija board for that long.

Before the Board

“Yeah,” she said.

“But, hey, you did something. You crawled towards the cliffs and tried to jump off, that was something.”

I stop the car.

“No…no I didn’t.” I say back. We argue about this for ten minutes. We even call up the others for conformation to prove that Alex wasn’t lying to me. She wasn’t.

Apparently, while the others were packing up and Alex was cleansing the area, they all turned and saw me crawling, on my hands and knees stretched around me, towards the cliff edge. They all thought I was kidding around, so they all started laughing and yelling jokes at me to get me to crack.

But I didn’t laugh, or giggle, or anything – and if you know me, you know I’ll laugh at literally anything. I kept crawling until my face and shoulders were over the edge. Nick was the one who realized I wasn’t kidding.

He jumped up, ran over to me, grabbed my waist, and pulled me from the edge. He wasn’t hugging me because I was sad like I thought before, he was wrapping his arms around my shoulders so I wouldn’t try to hurl myself over a cliff – and that’s when I snapped out of it and started sobbing.

I don’t remember a single moment of this.

I don’t remember crawling toward any cliffs, and I don’t remember almost falling because I was leaning into it. I’m terrified of heights and I don’t like getting wet, and even if I was in the moment of stupid dares with friends, I would never even put myself in a situation where that stuff could happen to me.

I started freaking out in the car when Alex told me and I haven’t really stopped freaking out. I know science has an explanation for the Ouija board and I know Hasbro sells them, but something definitely happened to me that night, and if it isn’t the board’s fault, then I have to blame it on me going insane, and I’m not prepared to do that for at least another fifty years.

issue 2 | the chronicle | 31

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