PHHS Issue 6 May 2017

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THE

TROJAN


MAY

THE TROJAN

2017 LETTER FROM THE EditOr

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Dear Readers, I want to begin by saying thank you for reading the words that I so carefully chose to leave next to my signature. I promise I meant every one of them. This publication has been one of the best things I have been a part of for three years and it is bittersweet to be saying goodbye to it now. This is my final goodbye not just to The Trojan, but to high school, and a big part of what has been the first 18 years of my life. So I thought that I would leave SPORTS REFLECTIONS with some things that I have learned throughout high school. Most of these I Here is an in depth look at the highlighted moments learned the hard way, and so my hope for the underclassmen reading this, maybe that made this year of PHHS sports so memorable. you won’t have to. Always carry a journal. Or record your thoughts in a voice memo-sometimes that is even more raw than scribbled down words Show up anyway. Dance every chance you get. Don’t just sit this one out, expecting a better song to come on later. Some of my favorite teachers (Mrs. Beran, Mrs. Kaiser, Mrs. Bridges, Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Harman) were the ones with a passion in their hearts and a love for the life they live. They taught me more about life than any textbook lesson ever could. SENIOR MEMORIES If you feel you’d have to block certain people from viewing your snapchat As the class of 2017 prepares to say goodbye, some stories, you probably shouldn’t be posting it in the first place. seniors reflected on the best moments of PHHS, Life is short, just cut the hair already. and left with some advice to underclassmen. Not everyone is going to like you. Still choose to be kind, and understand that you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Hold your head high but walk with humility. THE TROJAN STAFF Soak in those late practices and work nights. You will miss every bit of it when Meet the people behind the words and the camera. The it’s all over. Trojan Staff reflects on their years as student journalists. Ice cream is a great temporary fix, but late night talks with your mom can heal just about anything. Don’t forget to ask her about her day, too. Don’t throw around the word “toxic” lightly. Hard and toxic relationships are not the same thing. Recognize the difference, and act accordingly. You can still participate without compromising your beliefs. You may not fit in with the majority, but no one ever really does anyway. You are stronger for staying true to yourself. The truest friendships are the ones that are not convenient. I lost touch with friends I walked into high school with, but the greatest friends I could ever ask for SENIOR MAP Trojan Alumni are going coast to coast next fall. Take a showed up and stayed even though it wasn’t always easy. Get a job in the food-service industry at least once. If you can learn how to deal look at where the class of 2017 will be attending in the with hangry people, you can do anything. near future. Parking space is gold. There is a huge difference between getting to school at 7:15 and 7:20. But sometimes those extra five minutes of sleep are worth the long walk from the back of the parking lot or the risk of a parking ticket. Heartbreak is not beautiful. But it is how you put the pieces back together that can make it beautiful. Kids look up to you. Even when you think they aren’t looking, they are. And MURALS they soak everything in. It is incredible to have the opportunity to leave a lasting impression that could potentially shape their future. Think about what kind of The story behind the painted walls... impression you want to leave. I don’t think I will ever get over the pain I felt in my chest when I looked at the empty desk of a classmate that I never took the time to truly get to know. Please try your best to speak life into everyone you encounter. Take the long way home and take turns with the aux cord. Remember your prom date’s tie. Recall the route you drove every single day on your way to school. How your freshman self decorated her bedroom and how you’re packing most of it away now. Reflect on the insignificant details that

SPORTS

Feature

COmmunity CAMPUS

12

LIFE

10 SHOW ME SENIORS

A large number of this year’s graduating class will be attending college right here in the Show Me State.

you’ve collected throughout your time as a Park Hill Trojan-because time is fleeting, and a lot of those memories are fading fast. But there are many that we will never forget. To the class of 2017, I consider myself blessed to have shared all these years with you. It is strange that in a few short days I will be sitting in a funny hat next to people that I have watched grow up, the people that watched me grow up, and how I may never see most of you again after walking across that stage. Whether you loved or hated your high school experience, we might as well learn from it and allow it to shape us into better people. I think that is worth remembering.


“Do your duty...and a little bit more.” -PRINCIPAL BRAD KINCHELOE 2016-2017 Magazine Staff: Editor-In-Chief: Delaney Noland

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Visual Editor: Keeley Myszka Copy Editor: Mia Tyler Story Editor: Abby Hostick Business Managers: Kyleigh Conkling Chelsee Tirmai Reporters: TJ Hullaby Judiann McMahon Megan Monroe Kamryn O’Dell Elise Villarreal Joseph Walker Abby Yimer

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ABOUT THE COVER PHOTOS BY: The Trojan Staff Congratulations to the Class of 2017

1 - Photo By: Judiann McMahon 2 - Photo By: Judiann McMahon 3 - Photo By: Judiann McMahon 4 - Photo By: Sophia Lane The Trojan, published monthly during the regular school year, is the official publication of Park Hill High School, and is printed by Antioch Printers in Kansas City, MO. All unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Trojan staff. Editorials do not necessarily represent the opinion of the faculty or administration including the adviser. The student body receives this paper free of charge to encourage readership, promote awareness of school and community events, and issues, and to showcase student journalistic work. The Trojan welcomes letters to the editors. All letters must be signed to be published, but may be anonymous if the author chooses. Letters may be no more than 350 words and must be delivered to room 350 ten days prior to publication. The Trojan staff welcomes comments, questions, and opinions. Send comments to berans@parkhill.k12.mo.us, 7701 Barry Road, Kansas City, Mo 64153, or call 816-359-6238.


4 SPORTS

By: Elise Villarreal & TJ Hullaby FOOTBALL

BOYS BASKETBALL

TRACK

BOYS XC

“My favorite memory from this season was going on one of our long runs out to Zona Rosa and getting chased out by the security guards,” Albert Lachowski

BOYS TENNIS

“ I loved crushing Rockhurt’s number one doubles team, although my favorite moment is probably still ahead of me, the season isn’t over yet,” Jake McFee

WRESTLING

“I’m going to miss seeing Coach Davis’s lovely face everyday,” Thomas Lisher

BOYS SOCCER

BOYS SWIM

“My favorite memory was state and all the best get to compete and show everyone what Park Hill swim is all about,” Danny Jones

CHEER

“Getting to help lead the team this year with my two best friends Val and Anamarie was the best part of my senior year,” Bre Reno

GIRLS SWIM

DANCE

2016-2017 SPORTS MEMORIES

“What I’ll miss the most is walking around school on Friday’s in our jersies with everybody looking at us, knowing I’m one of the ones who represents our school out there on the field," Chester Graves

“The highlight of my senior swim season was surviving all four years on varsity,” Sarah Strube

“What I’m going to miss the most is the bonding we have between each person. They’re all my sisters and my family,” Tori Newlove

GIRLS TENNIS

“I’m honestly going to miss my team, and practicing everyday. It’s so weird not playing a high school sport anymore and I never realized how fast it goes by,” Ruth Francis

GIRLS BASKETBALL

“Winning districts on our home floor and beating Kirkwood on our trip to St. Louis,” Morgan Smith

GIRLS SOCCER

“I’m going to miss the people and the coaches and all the friendships I’ve made and the memories that have formed from it,” Meg Feeley

GIRLS GOLF

“I’ll never forget embarrassing myself at the course when playing the Golf Olympics,” Sam Paulak

BOYS GOLF

VOLLEYBALL

“Making memories with my second family,” Tyah Barnett

GIRLS XC

BASEBALL

“The highlight of my senior season was coming back against south when we were down by 8 and winning,” Christian Hackworth

SOFTBALL

“I’m glad that I actually stuck with softball even though there were times I didn’t enjoy it. My last season ended up being my favorite,” Sarah Warner

PHOTO BY: ROSS MARTIN


Summer Sports By: Mia Tyler As summer quickly approaches, students are preparing for their summer activities and sports. While summer is seen as a time to catch up on sleep and relax, it is also an optimal time to work hard on perfecting a sport. Without having to worry about school and homework, students can give their full attention to their sport. There are a wide variety of summer sports including swim, baseball, volleyball, and tennis. Junior Grace Cannon plays volleyball year round, and she shares what it’s like to play a sport during the summer. “I play volleyball for Maximum Performance, a 17’s Gold National club team. Playing a sport in the summer is easier than playing a sport during the school year because I can devote more of my time to the activity,” said Cannon. Summer is a great time to sleep in and do nothing, but students who participate in a summer sport are definitely keeping busy. Waking up at the crack of dawn for practices or playing in day long tournaments takes immense commitment. “I have volleyball practice 3-4 times a week and scrimmages and tournaments over the weekend. My practices are about two hours while my tournaments can last up to eight hours. My volleyball schedule is about the same number of practices in a week both during the summer and the school year, but it is definitely less stressful when I don’t have to try and balance my heavy homework load along with my practices,” said Cannon. Without school during the weekdays, students playing summer sports have more opportunities for traveling and playing a wide variety of teams. Junior Grant Mertz plays baseball for Prodigy Baseball Academy during the summer and talks about the differences between summer baseball and school year baseball. “I feel like in the school year, the purpose is to represent my school to the best of my ability and take us as far as we can go into playoffs. During the summer, the whole purpose is to be seen by colleges. Wins and losses don’t matter as much. I would say the thing that changes the most going into summer baseball is the fact that I travel a lot for summer ball,” said Mertz.

Students who play sports during the summer have more time to focus on bettering their own technique. Without the extra stress of school, they can direct all their attention toward improving their skills before the start of the next school year. Junior Nani Welsh swims for the Tsunami Swim Team during the summer and shares her goals during summer swim. “My focus in the summer is way more toward my goals and efforts with swimming. During school, I focus way more on academic success and my grades. With the addition of high school swim, I tend to look toward the goals of the team and what works best for all of us. The summer allows me to be able to put all my focus toward my own technique, training, and how I individually perform at meets,” said Welsh. Playing sports during the summer also allows more time for team bonding. Teammates can spend all day hanging out with each other and getting to know each other. “Almost every morning after practice, my teammates and I go to a close-by restaurant and feast. I get to spend most of my days in the summer with my teammates who I have grown really close to and I really appreciate going through awful workouts and spending time with them,” said Welsh.


6 FEATURE

Tips from the Top By: Chelsee Tirmai and Kamryn O’Dell

“Graduate at semester,” - Landon Browns

“ Family isn’t just blood.” -Christian Pollock

“Become cool with

“Listen to your teacher,

the attendance

stay out of drama, and do

office,”

your work,”

- Anthony Nelson

- Chester Graves

“Don’t make bad decisions at the end of your senior year,” Grant Martin

“Go to PROM and make friends with upperclassmen. Go to

senior skip day for sure! Play a sport even if you don’t want to,” - Courntey Bearce


By: Chelsee Tirmai and Kamryn O’Dell

“The One Where The Trojan Staff went to Prom 2k17” Although I missed the last semester of high school, I’m glad I got to spend some of the time I spent here with my brother. This is us for Halloween junior year, and I think this embodies us completely. - Conny Landaverde

So, on the way back from Large Group I really enjoyed high school because of

Festival one of our buses didn’t show up.

times like this. This is my favorite picture

We were stranded while everybody left

and it has so many memories within it.

to go back to school. Eventually, we had

These two are lifelong friends and I’m

a bus to take us back. It was, like, really

grateful that I’ve met them

funny.

- Cyris Clark

- Haley Ericksen

Class of

2017

So, my favorite memory from high school was Senior Skip Day. A lot of us went down to the Royals baseball game to tailgate. It was just so much fun to skip school and

This was at the first and last game

just have a good time with friends.

I went to as a senior. It was cool

- Priya Mehta

because I was terrified to go with my crutches but everyone I saw was chill and I had a great time. I saw some people who had helped me so much during this time when I was struggling. -Onna Bustamante


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Looking back on my year in Newspaper, I realize just how much I’ve learned in this class & from these group of people. I learned how to express myself not only through words, but through designs & pictures. Not only that, but the people in this class showed me what true friends are like. They have your back & give you the advice you need to hear but might not want to hear. They helped me realize the type of people I want in my life; ones I loved Newspaper and I’ve made some of the best friends in this class. It’s sad to say goodbye but I know these people will always be apart of my life.

Newspaper is over, high school is finally over, and now I get to go into debt trying to go to school to make money. I love my News friends, it was a great year. LOL.

HO

Being on the Park Hill newspaper staff has been so fun. I’ve grown super close to each and every staff member and I have so much love for this small group of people. They all make the hard work worth it. My favorite thing about this staff would have to be our work nights, even though we really all just distract each other rather than actually getting work done. I’m really going to miss this staff.

A

LA

Room 350 has become a safe haven for me. It was where I ate lunch when I didn't have friends to sit with, where I prayed, where we danced. I love this room and the people that have made it a home. Working for The Trojan has shaped me into the writer, the leader, and the person that I am today. We make every other club, sport, and activity look good, and yet receive a drop of recognition.And that is exactly why we do it. I love this team and the work that we have done here. As hard as it is for me to say goodbye to this chapter of my life, I am confident that our legacy will be continued. Keep finding the stories that matter. Make people listen. Never stop writing.

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8 FEATURE

2016-2017 NEWSPAPER STAFF

Newspaper has exceded all my expectations. It's been such a privilage to create such an amazing product with even more amazing people. I'm excited to continue to share the hidden stories of our students and the popular commotions of our community throughout next years Newspaper. It's not too late if you want to be in Newspaper next year... we have free donuts!

Being on the Trojan Magazine Staff these past two years has been a truly life changing experience. I have learned how to work as a team and produce amazing magazines with some of the most hard-working and talented people I have ever met. I am so glad I have been able to become friends with all these people I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. I will be so sad when the majority of our staff leaves for college at the end of this year, but I am looking forward to next year as we strive to reach new heights.

I had a great time in newspaper this year! I learned how to become a better writer and I met a lot of amazing people. I am very excited to write more unique stories and meet all the new students who are going to join next year. I can't wait for all the memories to come!


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Newspaper has taught me many lessons in life. From learning how to interview and be comfortable around complete strangers, to being able to write something without opinion, that of which is surprisingly difficult. The newspaper staff has been amazing and I have made so many new friends through being part of the team. I strongly urge anyone with a journalistic mind to join the Newspaper staff, you will not regret it. One last thing I would say to park hill is DEFEND THE HILL.

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Newspaper and Room 350 have been a safe haven for me these past two years. When I look back on high school this room is where my favorite memories happened. From work nights to food days this room and the people in this room made my high school years better. I want to thank Mrs. Beran for making me the journalist I am today and for always reminding us that what we do matters.This room, this class, the people will always have a special place in my heart and it’s so hard for me to say goodbye to it and I’m going to miss it so much.

W

L NK

What comes to mind when I think of The Trojan? I think of room 350, one of two rooms I’ve been in for nearly my entire high school career. I think of all the people I’ve met and befriended, and I am thankful to have had this experience. Being a part of this team has allowed me to grow and has given me more insight to who I am as a person and a writer. I will most definitely miss the fun times, and I’ve learned from the hard ones.

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SENIOR CLASS OF 2017 2016-2017 NEWSPAPER STAFF

“Not many people realize that journalist aren’t just reporting the news, but that they are exploring beneath the surface of everyday life, making others feel heard, and important. Your story matters, my story matters, and thanks to Newspaper, I see writing as a whole new adventure, one I hope, will take me to places I never imagined.”

Being on Newspaper has been one of my favorite things about my time at PH. Newspaper has given me the opportunity to talk to people that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise, and I’ve made some great friendships along the way. I’m so thankful for Beran and everything she did that made coming to Newspaper every day feel like a second home. The experiences with this staff, and everything within the orange walls of room 350, will have a forever place in my heart.

I’m glad that I took newspaper this year the people are friendly and always are wanting to talk to you.


SENIOR MAP 10

SHOW ME SENIORS

TRUMAN ST.

Austin Brooks Sophia Cuni-Mertz Kayla Decker Kelly Decker Emily Green Courtney Klein Dayten Rose Chandler To Jasmine Ye Rachel Kinney

MIZZOU Samantha Blondin Landon Browns Kennedea Caldwell Colleen Cogley Sean Cogley Matthew Duesterhaus Max Eiberger Kelly Feeley Ruth Francis Justine Hemaya Danny Jones Madison King Thor Mardis Abby Nugent Lotanna Ofonski Andie Powell Patrick Stevenson Isaiah Sturgill Joseph Walker Alex Wang Sydney Biggs Zach Gasca

MAPLE WOODS Rollin Abbot Cyris Clark Kirby Conrad Quinton Daggett Jackson DeKeyser Darnell Dixon Hannah Dutcher Jordan Engleman Trey Garcia Haley George Mahan Hadjian Christopher Harris Victoria Harter Cooper Hild Albert Lachowsky Rebecca Lala Angelica LeBlanc Ryan Long Freeha Malik Winsor Mansfield Trent McClelland Keeley Myszka Breanna Soendker Emily Stegemann Andrew Stott Sarah Strube Emma Wilson Elizabeth Woodford Nasir Asalati Keenan Shafe

UCM

Courtney Bearce Kelley Collins Christian Hackworth PARK Erin Henke UNIVERSITY Colton Hosey Meaghan O’Neal Adrionna Bustamante Hayden Polling Tyione England-Stewart Amber Scharnhorst Alexis Grego Matthew Snyder Quintin Schneider Rachel Sutlief Timothy Whittaker Drake Unger Caleb Daniel Ethan Velky Lucas Andrus Tabitha Williams Stephen Waldon

By: Kyleigh Conkling and Megan Monroe

MISSOURI STATE

NWMS

Alec Akbari Jasmin Armstrong-Cruz UMKC Kylie Aulgur Mason Bigler Nicholas Arriagada Ashley Alsbury Jacob Blair Bayley Brooks Brandon Bruington Jonathon Cruickshank Hailey Brown Ellie Diamond Kristin Dowell Sydney Caldwell Meghan Elley Alexis Frazier Lydia Carter Sara Herdman Chloe Gauthier Riley Carter Logan Koch Nolan Harless Matthew Combs Brenna LaFever Jami Jones Zoe Corwin Chase McCollom Alex Lober Michael Cu Rylie Milford Cameron Luther Lucas Cuni-Mertz Brett Nelson Bryce Malloy Alaina Ficken Breanna Reno Kindra Malone Christina Gerstner Tess Smith Cameron McDowell Elliot Hamilton Daniel Spielhagen Victoria Merker Erica Hinrichs Jackie Evans Aspen Mitchell Angelika Madayag Riley Thomas Megan Monroe Dillon McPhee Olivia Van Berkum Delaney Noland Priya Mehta Eleanor Panico Sarah O’Brien Gracie Meroney Caleb Pugh Chris Panzica Carly Reburn PENN VALLEY Andrew Rich Parker Sampson Jack Trompeter Jasmine Okongwu Adam Sievert Taylor Tanner Mark Trompeter Tyler Scribner Marissa Wheeler Victoria Vo Parker Simcox Drake Butler Brooke Witherby Lauren Tinoco Gavin Zaerr Nancy Ziegler Bwaar Omaar MISSOURI S&T Christopher Swayne SEMO Anna Hogan Sloane Weinkein

Emma Martin Zach Salvador Ethan Kircher

MWSU

Connor Morehouse Elise Villarreal

Al-Ameen Agunbiade Ashley Buttron Trever Guzzo Zach Suppes

ROLLA

Christopher Swett

KCI Kali Brock

WILLIAM JEWEL

WEBSTER

Grant Martin

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Sushma Gandham

ROCKHURST Bryce Balusek Morgen Smith

AVILA

Hannah Shin

CENTRAL METHODIST Ashton Brady


HUMAN OF PARK HILL By Abby Hostick

stressed me, name anything and Beran has Mrs. Beran has worked at park hill for 15 years, and has touched the hearts of many. been there to This year is her last year here, and she’s going on to do some big things. She’s guide me through inspired many here at Park Hill to go after their dreams, whatever those dreams it,” said senior Emily may be. Meier. “When she sat down and told us about how she was leaving and just Mrs. Beran stays the way she handled it and seeing the emotion come through her was just in touch with many of super elegant. It inspired me to really get to know her more,” said junior her students throughout Judiann McMahon. the years. Every week she Mrs. Beran teaches Photojournalism, Yearbook, and seems to have a past student Newspaper here at Park Hill High School. She used to also teach the return just to stop Mass Media class. in and say hi. One “Being able to be in newspaper and have her of her students just guidance and counseling through it all has strengthened our recently had a baby. relationship,” said Junior Judiann McMahon. Students invite Many of the seniors who are graduating have her to their homes spent the majority of their time in room 350. They’ve to vacation. She grown up with Beran, and now they’re leaving with her. creates lifelong Starting a new journey together. relationships with “Mrs. Beran taught me how to step her students. She outside of my comfort zone, how to lead, how has always gone to write, and she gave me a platform to do past the basic it. I am so thankful for the welcoming teaching standards. atmosphere she created in room 350 “Mrs. Beran and I hope her legacy will continue has been such here within these walls,” said senior an inspiration to Delaney Noland. me and I am so “I’ve known Beran for fortunate to have two years but she has shown had her as a journalism teacher for all these years,” me more support than said junior Mia Tyler. almost anyone. She has No matter where Mrs. Beran goes, she been my support system spreads love and joy. Even though she won’t be in a through figuring out teaching environment, she will teach many how to be I want to pursue overall better human beings, because she’s one of the photography, best out there. through not doing well on a test in a class that

From all the students here at Park Hill, Thank you, Mrs. Beran.


12 CAMPUS

Murals On a typical Monday at 10:18 am one will find the hallways at PHHS full of loud laughter, tired eyes, and speed walking. Entering the hallway is a dangerous act that requires plenty of plan and attention. Often students get so consumed by the fast-paced people that they ignore the wonders and art within their school. PHHS is full of murals made and placed by some of Park Hills very own past students. One of PHHS well-known murals is titled “Park Hill Reflections”. Park Hill Reflections can be spotted hanging above the stairwell outside the band hallway. This mural was funded by the class of 1999 and created by one of Park Hill’s very own alumni, Trevis Martin ‘91. With intense attention Mr. Snelling can be spotted in the upper left corner wearing a tan suit and tie. He is not the only thing represented in this painting but take note of both TARKUS and Cheer being exemplified. This mural portrays PHHS natural spirited population by dressing the student body in Park Hill t-shirts and letterman’s jacket from 99’,00’,and 01’. Another unnoticed characteristic of this mural is it’s setting. It’s almost as if one is transported into the painting as they walk down the steps because the mural is set on those exact stairs. “I think the murals are good, especially if the paintings are done by students. They’re a display of what the people in the school can do,” said senior Dayten Rose. The murals get so lost in the commotion of PHHS, but without them Park Hill would be as bland as a bowl of oatmeal. “They bring life,” states Rose One of the uncredited murals in PHHS is “Roads to Park Hill”, which includes several paintings located above the entrances to the lunchroom. The wavy green and blues on these canvases picture common roads students take on their way to Park Hill High School, such as Barry Road.

These murals were painted by Jennifer Giesler, a 1994 graduate. This piece of art brings PHHS together by recognizing the different ways all students approach the same building. “My favorite mural is the one above the small staircase leading down into the 500s hallway. The artist of the mural decided to paint photos and art on the wall within the mural – so it’s art within art. The Inception Mural!” Says PHHS Teacher of the Year, Marc Harman. The murals in PHHS depict more than beats the eye. Mr. Harman sets an example that people do not pay close attention to murals. Details that are shown in these murals can easily be missed when just quickly walking by. Harman mentions that Shawnee Mission North High School recently transformed an old classroom into a permanent art gallery. Possibly PHHS could explore this option although building space has been quite limited. “I would love to see more murals, and art in general on display throughout our school,” states Harman. The human eye is naturally attracted to art in any shape or form and murals help to bring beauty into a place that might other wise seem boring. “The mural symbolizes all of the different students who attend our school. In one single mural we see cross country, basketball, school dances, orchestra, graduation speeches – it’s great. Have you seen the computer in that mural? We were pushing 21st century skills before it was cool!” states Harman. Murals are visual metaphors for what PHHS stands for.

“We have amazingly talented artists that walk our halls, and I love when their work is on display...” - Marc Harman

By: Judiann McMahon & Joe Walker


HONORING CLASSMATES By: Abby Yimer

As the school year draws to an end, the senior class will be having a lot of final goodbyes. They will park in “their” parking spot for the last time, walk through the halls for the last time, and sit through their final school lunch. The class of 2017 has made it through their four years, good times and bad. One significant memory that the class holds close to their hearts is the loss of three classmates, Ethan Rickman, Daniel Bennett, and Manuel Gonzalez. As graduation draws near, the senior class wants to find ways to honor their memories. “I was talking with a couple of people about doing something in honorary mention of them, like upstairs how the class of 2005 had lost two of their students, I wanted to do something like that,” said senior Lauren Tinoco. There have been different ideas that have been brought by students on ways to honor their classmates. In places like parks, and gardens, they have benches or plaques that honor not only those who have contributed to the place but also for those who have passed. Tinoco feels as though something closer to these would be the best way to honor her friends. “Something at graduation will be sort of temporary. I want something that is set in stone and will be there even though we leave,” said Tinoco. At graduation, the seats where the three students would have sat will be left empty. Students will file into their seats leaving those spots. They will have a ribbon, flowers, and their diploma on their seat. The ceremony will continue with a mention that those seats are there followed by a moment of silence. Their families will be invited to come and be a part of the ceremony. “I’ll be in contact with them to explain what’s going to happen and typically what a family does if they come to graduation. The flowers and the ribbon and stuff are theirs and we’ll give it to them so they’ll have that memento from graduation,” said principal Brad Kincheloe. Of course some families may choose not to be a part of their ceremony. The loss may be too difficult and coming back to the school may bring back some of those saddening memories but Ethan, Daniel, and Manuel’s names will be listed in the program as deceased. “ I definitely think [the family] should get the opportunity but I don’t really know who would want to sit, maybe Manuel’s family because that happened this year, but I do not see Ethan’s parents wanting to for sure, just because that happened so long ago. It’s just like a sad thing to think like you were going to go to and now you’re going there for somebody that’s not there,” said senior Trent McClelland

“I talked to my counselor and the response I got was ‘oh we don’t want to promote suicide’ but it’s not promoting suicide. It’s just that we lost three people in our class and want to be able to talk about it,”

- Lauren Tinoco

PREVENTION Remembering these students goes beyond graduation. The Park Hill School District and other districts have worked to put in plans to prevent this from happening again. “One of the challenges that Dr. Colvin, director at central office, has is to come up with a comprehensive plan for suicide prevention school district wide. It is a horrible problem. It is such a permanent sort of decision that a student makes and it can’t be reversed, so because of the nature of the loss it is upon Park Hill and every other school, we do what we can to make sure that it doesn’t happen any time that you can control it,” said Kincheloe It’s hard for students to be able to find someone who they can talk to in confidentiality who doesn’t have to report it. “The opportunity to talk to somebody is needed but who to talk to about stuff like that I feel like is really hard especially for anyone who works in this school just because they have to report it if you do have a problem. So, I feel like there really isn’t the security in a school to talk to anybody about something like that. If there was somebody to talk to for more of a personal or comforting feeling, even if it’s something bad that happened, that should definitely available,” said McClelland It’s of course a difficult thing to talk about, but students like Tinoco feel as though it needs to be addressed.


SENIOR MAP 14

COAST TO COAST By: Kyleigh Conkling and Megan Monroe


SENIOR CLASS OF 2017 KANSAS

ALABAMA

ALABAMA A&M Tyrone Harris

ARIZONA

ARIZONA ST.

Ariana Rampani

ARKANSAS ARKANSAS

Ryan Decker Meg Feeley Alec Goodwin Chloe Kuebler Christian Lewis Dakota McDowell Jordan Walker Riley Warlen Sarah Warner

CALIFORNIA

FRESNO PACIFIC Ginna Dammann

USC

Jake McFee

SAN JOSE ST. Kyle Montebon

FLORIDA FULLSAIL

Ray Roberts Demetrius Taylor

GEORGIA

K-STATE

Kyleigh Conkling Shea Hoover Matthew Rodrigues Spencer Scott Kristofer Snodgrass Danielle Lindquist Kyle Timmerman

KU

UMDA

Chris Atkins

TRUMP UNIVERSITY Champ Smith

FORDHAM

Camille Laude

NEVADA TAPS

Victoria Newlove

Shayla Collins Madelaine Gradinger Challie Henke Francesca Kirn Sean Martin Christian Pollock Darian Reese Samantha Reneau Lauryl Sidwell Chelsee Tirmai Kiely Kingsbury

NORTH CAROLINA

Tyah Barnett Tyler Watson

PENNYSLVANIA

Rachel Alula Quinton Harris

SOUTH CAROLINA

Grant Downes Anamarie Enriquez Val Samborski

SOUTH CAROLINA

HIGHLAND CC WASHBURN WICHITA ST.

SAVANNAH ST.

CLOUD COUNTY CC

ILLINOIS

OTTAWA U.

Al’Eysha Byrd

NEW YORK

Nick Bosmediano

NORTHERN ILLINOIS

Krystal Culbertson

MCKENDREE

TJ Hullaby

NORTH CAROLINA A&T Khalid Smith

OKLAHOMA OU

Tate Cleveland Papay Glaywulu Abby Stubblefield

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST Madison Hale

LANGSTON U.

Debrahnna Simmons

CARNEGI MELLON Matthew Hayes

COASTAL CAROLINA Lauren Grace

Jessica Hoffman

SOUTH DAKOTA SOUTH DAKOTA ST. Seven Wilson

TEXAS

Czeryn Aldana

BENEDICTINE

Gigi Hopkins

PITT. STATE

Korinne Masters

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO

STERLING

Tessa Mussman

DEPAUL

SAINT MARY’S

INDIANA

MASSACHUSETTS

Ziah Richardson Abby Yimer

NOTRE DAME

Jenna Winebrenner

PERDUE

Matt Zhang

IOWA

GRACELAND

Hayley Condit Chelsea Edwards

IOWA STATE Jackson Foutch Anyesha Ray

DUBUQUE

Gordon Hendrix

IOWA WESTERN CC Thomas Lisher

DRAKE

Sam Paulak

GRANDVIEW Brent Woods

Abbie Linder

DaJuan Osby

Hannah Stout

BOSTON U. Nathan Cline June Guwn

MINNESOTA BEMIDJII ST. Jayne Sutton

MISSISSIPPI OLE MISS

Christina Brown Chester Graves

NEBRASKA

RICE

TEXAS TECH

D.C.

GEORGE WASHINGTON U Caleb Wilson

JAPAN

I.C. NAGOYA

Evan Hayakawa

MARINES

Kyle Brooks Michelle Carter Coal Langley Danny Jones Veda Matthews

AIRFORCE

PERU ST.

Stephen Waldon Tyler Wells

NEBRASKA

COAST GAURD

Landen Brown Erik Goodwin Parker Young

CREIGHTON Alexis Russ

Hunter Jenkins


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