TROJ ROJAN
THE
ISSUE FOUR
DECEMBER 2012
1
THIS MONTH...
CAMILLE’S COLUMN
CONTENTS
NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT
The Trojan, published monthly during the regular school year, is the official publication of Park Hill High School, and is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, Kansas. All unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Trojan staff. Editorials do not necessarily represent the opinion of the faculty or administration including the advisor. 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.
Those little kids who died last week in Newtown—their parents must have already bought their Christmas presents. Now those presents are probably just going to sit there, unopened and gathering dust. There were many, worse things about what happened on Friday, but I keep thinking about those kids’ families, and how terrible it must be to look at those Christmas presents and know that they’re never going to get opened. This weekend, I read in the Kansas City Star that Newtown was the fourth time that Obama has given a speech at the sight of a mass shooting. So many times in the past four years, a gunman has walked out of his house and into an ordinary place and fired into the crowd, and killed innocent people. In the past four years, so many people have walked into a place that no one would think twice about entering; a school, a church, a theater; and have lost their lives to gunfire. I can think of 63, in four different shootings—six people killed in the shooting in Tucson, Arizona. 13 at the military base in Fort Hood, Texas. 12 at the movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. 6 at the Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. And now this—27 people killed in a Connecticut elementary school. So many people will spend this Christmas grieving these losses. So many lives have been taken, because of just a few men holding weapons. I worked at an elementary daycare program over the summer, supervising a class of 18 kids who were all five to seven years old. If the gunman had lived in Missouri, instead of Connecticut; if he had walked into that school instead of Sandy Hook; it could just as easily have been my classroom of sweet little kindergartners that was mowed down with a rifle. If nothing else, I’m certain of one thing—no one deserves to die staring down the barrel of a gun. I am so, so sorry for the loss that Newtown suffered. I’m sorry that this Christmas will be so sad for so many people. And I hope that we, as Americans, can begin to talk about how to prevent something like this from ever happening again.
TROJAN
THE FEA TURES
3
HAPPY (INSERT HOLIDAY HERE)
The holiday season isn’t all about Christmas for some of the students here at PH. In fact, there are several who celebrate the holiday season differently. Check out page 3 for more information.
7
WELCOME TO... APOCALYPSE
December 21, 2012 is dreaded for one reason: it might be the end of the world. Turn to page 7 to see how to survive the apocalypse.
DEPARTMENTS 5
DON’T TEXT IN CLASS
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THE NEW GIRL IN THE POOL
Rumors about changes to PH’s cell phone policy has students talking. Flip to page 5 to see what they are saying.
With swim season just beginning, one senior has set her eyes on victory in the pool and in college. Open to page 9 to read about Lauren Shaw’s goals for the rest of the season.
11
14
WHAT’S IN YOUR CUP?
As the holidays are quickly approaching, students are in need of some refreshments. Check out page 11 to see the Trojan staff’s favorites.
INJU: NEW YEAR, NEW OUTLOOK
One year may not seem like a long time, but for some, it can mean a new beginning. From new homes to new family members, turn to page 14 to see how life will change for some at PH in the new year.
MYPARKHILL.COM LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN
ATTENTION A+ SENIORS Deadline for senior A+ hours is April 12, 2013. Check out myparkhill.com for some volunteer hour opportunities.
Didn’t buy a DVD of the Mr. Park Hill pageant? Look here for a review and photo gallery of the event.
DECEMBER
2012
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Camille Smith DESIGN EDITOR Nick Buchberg FEATURE EDITOR Zach Hahn DEPARTMENT EDITOR Mackenzie Thomas PHOTO EDITOR Kaylin Lake BUSINESS MANAGER Brett Stone REPORTERS Jake Bjornlie Beth Cooper Chloe Lane Jesus Reyes Rylee Stoulil Claire Yost WEBMASTER Molly Weis WEB EDITOR Shannon Barry MYPARKHILL.COM JT Fopeano Zoë Butler Sadie Derry
3
Celebrating
FEATURE
Religion
While not everyone may open gifts on the 25 or hang a star upon a tree, students say the spirit of the season is contagious.
Although the Felfeli triplets are Zoroastrian, they enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
Happy
(INSERT HOLIDAY PREFERENCE HERE)
By: Brett Stone
Not everyone’s house has a Christmas tree in it this December. PH is home to many students of different religions, including sophomore Morwarid Asalati, whose family is Muslim. “I don’t have a Christmas tree, but I want a little Charlie Brown one by my dresser. I’m determined to get one this year. My mom doesn’t mind. She thinks it’s funny,” said Asalati. Asalati’s family is both accepting and critical of her choice to be Christmaspositive. “My mom is [accepting of Christmas], but I have my aunts and they’re pretty strict, but my mom usually takes care of it. I’m the only one like that, so they learn to accept it because they have to. I won’t change,” said Asalati. PH is also home to three Zoroastrians, sophomores Manijeh, Shiva, and Mojan Felfeli. The Felfeli triplets are one of the only exposures that Park Hill students would otherwise have had to Zoroastianism. “My religion is basically based on good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. I try to stick to those. Those are my rules. I don’t want to be mean to anyone. I don’t like judging anyone. Basically, be the best person I can be,” said Mojan. Students were introduced to Zoroastrianism in their world history textbooks, but the Felfelis feel like the information was misguided. “We talked about Zoroastrianism in world history for freshmen, but a lot of the stuff was incorrect and not many people knew much about it,” said Manijeh. In fact, some would say that different religions aren’t always integrated easily into PH’s hallways. ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher Caitlin Fudge has some complaints. “I know that some of my girl students who wear the hijab [the scarf that covers women’s heads for the Muslim religion] have received various comments from other students. I think some of them were genuine questions because kids don’t know, but others were ruder in nature. For the most part PH is pretty open but there
are still some people who are ignorant and mean because of their ignorance,” said Fudge. Fudge teaches students of nearly every major religion: Buddhist, many kinds of Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim. In spite of the high diversity present at PH, some students still feel as though their religions are not well-represented within the school. “I feel like there’s a lot of religious diversity but not a lot of people pay any attention to it, because not a lot of people know about the other religions,” said Mojan. Fudge feels as though Christmas shouldn’t be the only holiday celebrated at school. “I think it’s important to recognize other religions. I don’t think our school does much to recognize Ramadan [the Muslim month of fasting], or Eid [the Muslim “breaking of the fast” at the end of Ramadan], or Yom Kippur [the holiest Jewish day of the year],” said Fudge.
Junior Rachel Bruce
Senior Jonny Allison
”
Every Christmas my family and I drive to my grandmother’s house and spend the day there. We have a big lunch, open presents, and spend time with each other.
” ” ”
Catholic junior Rachel Bruce
I usually get together with my family. We eat food and then we open presents. Zoroastrian sophomore Shiva Felfeli
We try to keep Christmas centered on Christ. We, as Christians, participate in all Christmas traditions such as gift giving. Mormon senior Jonny Allison
It’s a tradition with me and my friends. On Christmas Eve we hang out because I’m okay with it. Nothing really special happens at my house. It’s like a pizza night. Muslim sophomore Morwarid Asalati
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5
DON’T TEXT IN CLASS Park Hill considers changing its cell phone policy
CAMPUS
By: Chloe Lane
“Give me your phone” are four words most high school students dread hearing from a teacher. Cell phones are a complete no-no in the eyes of a lot of school administrators. With the chance of students not paying attention in class or cheating on tests, the use of cell phones in Park Hill is completely prohibited. “Currently, cell phones fall into the same category as other electronic devices; that from 7:30 to 2:38 you cannot have them out at all. They can’t be heard, they can’t be seen. The exception that makes headphones a little different from cell phones, iPods, etc. is that you can listen to music during lunch, but still no cell phones,” Principal Dr. Brad Kincheloe said. However, some students do not agree with this rule. “I believe the policy should be more lenient. Teachers should allow students to use their mobile devices during break periods in class and other times when necessary. I feel like I should be able to take my phone out when we are just waiting for the bell to ring and check my Twitter or Instagram newsfeed,” senior Erik Stratman said. With the world of technology constantly moving forward, some schools have decided to move to adapt to these advances. “High school principals from both public and private schools around the greater Kansas City area meet once a month. There were 17 schools there and of those 17, Park Hill was the only school that did not allow some sort of cell phone usage during the day, although they [other schools] typically only allow them during lunch and passing times,” said Kincheloe. Even within the Park Hill district, policy is different. Before a
cheating scandal and a Twitter outburst, students at Park Hill South could have their cellular devices out at any time. Unfortunately, they had to change their policy, but even after the change, South has a different rule concerning electronics. “We can’t have any cell phones in class, but we can have them during passing periods and when we eat lunch,” Park Hill South junior Robert Pollan said. Not only do students not like the current policy, but many also dislike the idea that Park Hill is one of the only schools in this area that doesn’t allow cell phones at all. “It makes me super angry that surrounding school like South can use their phones. They probably think they are superior to us,” said Stratman. The policy at Park Hill right now may not be to most students’ liking, but change is on the way. Dr. Kincheloe stated that there is a lot to think about when changing cell phone policies and procedures. “I want to make it right, not right away,” said Kincheloe. Students make the argument that changing the policy would help with their organization skills by allowing them to use the planners in their phones, but that is not what the administration is concerned about. “If the impetus for changing a cell phone policy to allow cell phone use was to enter reminders in their cell phones, I’d say we missed the boat. People who want to be organized are pretty organized. People who say planners don’t work for them are basically saying ‘I don’t like writing in a planner and then later on my own time, after school’s out, transferring it,’” said Kincheloe.
Platte County
“We are allowed to use them in the hallways, just not during class but nobody really enforces it. The only time people get their phones taken away is when they use it too much during class.” -Evan McDonald
Liberty
“We can have our phones out whenever we want unless a teacher asks us not to have them out. If someone has one out during a test or if a teacher asks you to put it away and you continue to use it, you’ll probably get it taken away. You can usually get it back after class or some teachers sent it to the office and you get it at the end of the day.” -Courtney Gartner.
Staley
“It’s different for every teacher but for most, the rule is you can have them out when the teacher is not teaching. If someone gets it taken away, the teacher is supposed to take it to the office or give it back at the end of class, but none of my teachers take phones away.” -Brenden Mairet
Seniors Austin Hall, Jasmine Lim and junior Kensey Sloane check their cell phones. Although this is currently against school rules, PH might soon change its cell phone policy.
QUEER: IS IT AN INSULT?
By: Nick Buchberg On November 29, Park Hill’s chapter of the Gay-Straight Alliance, which meets every Wednesday in room 523, voted to become one of the most progressive high school clubs in Missouri. They opted to change one word in their official group name. But this one word, only five letters long, evokes many emotions and social connotations. The word is queer. In the LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and asexual) community, the word queer is referred to as a reclaimed word, meaning that, at one time, the word was used in a derogatory fashion. However, recently, the word queer has become an umbrella term for all persons who don’t fit neatly into sexual orientation and gender identity categories. Bailey Joswick, senior, has been a member of QSA since 2011. “The word ‘queer’ is more inclusive. It includes anyone who is outside of the traditional gay/straight boundaries, or even people who identify as a different gender. It includes a whole array of people,” said Joswick. Joswick refers to gender identity, a complex and confusing concept where someone’s social gender is different than their physical sex, or that a person simply does not conform to strict male/female gender categories. The term gay does not necessarily include these persons, who may otherwise go unnoticed. These persons are separate from an already existing group of people in the LGBTQA community— transgender people. Transgender individuals feel that they were born in the wrong physical body, and desire to live their lives completely as the opposite sex. Androgynous/third gender individuals physically are either male or female, but take on characteristics socially typical of both sexes. “There are a lot of people that I know personally—myself included—whose identities aren’t represented in ‘gay-straight alliance,’” said Joswick. “I feel like this is more progressive, more inclusive and better represents who we’re geared towards.” QSA voted to change their name to include these individuals, and to provide a safe space for these people to express their feelings and find friends who are going through the same struggles. However, the name change has faced criticism from some students who feel that the word queer should not be promoted
in our schools. Students like sophomore Nadia Lee feel that the name change is unnecessary. “Just looking at the word queer makes me uncomfortable,” said Lee. Senior Joyce Liu agreed with Lee, saying that the etymology of the word queer means strange, or odd, which isn’t something she believes we should be spreading around the school. Senior Alana O’Neill, a member of QSA, voted to change the name to inform these students that used in the right context, the word queer isn’t always offensive. “Queer is a reclaimed word for the whole [LGBTQA] community and essentially we’re not using it in a negative way. We as a club, I think, are choosing to use it in a positive way,” said O’Neill. “It’s a real term used by people. Queer studies, queer centers for students at colleges; so why not start getting people used to the word here? Maybe we can make a difference and be more progressive right here at Park Hill.” A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR In 2010 I attended the first meeting of Park Hill’s GSA. A lowly, secretly gay sophomore writing my first feature article for the newspaper, I became intrigued and mystified by the openness and acceptance of this group. It was because of this group that I found the courage to tell my parents, my friends and the world that I am gay, and that I am proud. This group made me feel like I wasn’t alone; there were others like me out there, at my own school. Yet when I first heard that GSA was considering changing its name, I fiercely opposed the name. The word queer offended me as a gay person. For the past five decades, this word had been used to offend LGBTQA people. After a lot of research, I discovered that the LGBTQA community had reclaimed the word, and this word didn’t just apply to people with different sexual orientations; it included them and people who didn’t fit strict male/female gender identities. This club wasn’t just a place for gays, lesbians and bisexuals. This club is for everyone who is different, for anyone who doesn’t fit strict male/female guidelines. By including more people in our name, we can appeal to more people and help them through their personal struggles. I hope that this change helps even just one person to come out and be proud of who they are. Maybe one day, there will be another Nick Buchberg, who will come out after finding out they aren’t all alone.
Junior Caitlin Warren and freshman Aliceson Coleman cut out fake “queer bucks” to give to Salvation Army bell ringers. Salvation Army donates to anti-LGBTQA groups every year, and QSA is protesting these actions by giving fake dollars until they change their policy.
Social studies teacher Emily Main is QSA’s club adviser, and has made her classroom (room 523) into a Safe Zone for LGBTQA and gender variant students. Closeted students can have a safe, judgement-free zone to discuss themselves with peers.
At their meeting on Dec. 5, QSA watched a segment from the 1990’s on 60 Minutes about gay conversion therapy. QSA is adamantly against this type of procedure, because they contend that sexual orientation is not a trait that can be altered.
FEATURE
7
W By: Zach Hahn
T E M O C EL
e s
p y
l a
c o
p A
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Prophesied by the Mayan calendar, December 21, 2012 is destined to be the end of the world. Whether or not that is true, there are a few different doomsday scenarios that could bring about the end. But there may be hope. Check out a couple of scenarios and survival kits that could save your life.
KILLER VIRUS Perhaps the end of society is an invisible killer that can spread around the globe before anyone knows. Perhaps it is a killer that can be seen in history to have devastated the globe before. This apocalypse could be in the form of a silent, microscopic virus. “Viruses only attack specific cells. They enter the cell and inject their DNA or RNA and the DNA or RNA enters the cell and takes over the host cell. The enzymes cut up the DNA of a host cell and take over and they make the cell into a virus factory,” AP Biology teacher Mary Haley said. One of the more famous plagues in history was the 1918 Spanish Influenza that killed between 20 and 50 million people over the course of two years, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history. This virus was unique not only because of its high infection rate, but also because public transportation allowed it to spread around the globe. But the trick with viruses is that not everyone can be infected. “I think there’s always variation and there’s always going to be a group of cells that will not maybe succumb completely, just like the AIDs virus. So eventually, that immune population will grow,” said Haley. In order for a virus to become apocalyptic, it must be able to spread and kill quickly to avoid the host’s immune system from developing a resistance to it, and it must infect every race, sex, and age of humans. “Considering that most of the diseases that have been wiping out mass amounts of people have been diseases that involve the skin deteriorating, that [the apocalypse] could be one of them where our skin starts deteriorating. So, I mean, it could happen, but whether if it’s this year or the next hundred years, I don’t know,” senior Alyssa Yslas said.
True to her theory, both the Bubonic plague and Smallpox— two of the world’s deadliest viruses—are diseases where the skin is directly affected. And, while both are famous for having killed numerous people, neither was all-infecting. However, if December 21, 2012 brings a new virus around the bend, here are a few things you should have in your survival kit: - Face mask – protects against airborne illnesses such as chickenpox - Goggles – blocks both airborne and liquid forms of viruses from entering through the eyes - First-aid kit – minor scrapes and scratches can be deadly if infected. A kit with Band-aids, disinfectant, cleansing alcohol, and bandages can save lives. - Orange juice – give the immune system a perk with some vitamin C - Long clothing – protect your skin from bites and scratches - Wind-up radio – it’s crucial to pay attention to public service announcements, so keep a radio within reach in case the power goes out.
SOLAR FLARES Everything within the solar system is dependant on the sun, a brilliant star that is essential to Earth’s survival. This is the reason that a solar flare is one of the more ironic doomsday scenarios.
3 2 What would you have for the end of the world?
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I’m deciding between my phone or my boyfriend. Freshman Corey Kivett
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Nothing, I have everything that I need within myself. Junior Ryan Grotans
“A solar flare is a brightening of the sun accompanied by the emission of highenergy particles that have the potential to disrupt telecommunication satellites, along with influencing Earth’s magnetosphere, which protects Earth from those high -energy particles,” physics teacher Evan Kraviec said. Happening roughly once a week to several times a day, solar flares are extremely common. However, they’re hardly noteworthy of human attention because they are usually of such low magnitude. While solar flares have been known to disrupt cellphone communications and TV broadcasting by interfering with telecommunication satellites, there has never been a solar flare with the power to cause Earth any direct harm. “In my lifetime, there’s never been a case where solar flares caused a massive failure of communications. It hasn’t happened, not to say that it couldn’t happen,” said Kraviec. Scientists say that a flare could never cause an apocalyptic scenario. However, scientists have also admitted to being unable to predict the occurrences of solar flares. According to the Chaos Theory, a mathematical study that focuses on the factors leading up to an event, no one can predict the outcomes of events far into the future accurately and with absolute certainty. Could it be possible for a solar flare of apocalyptic size to occur that scientists can’t predict? “Solar flares happen a lot. Maybe not soon, but eventually, a solar flare could affect us. If it does, there would be cataclysmic events. There would be a change in temperature like a climate shift. All of a sudden things would start happening: huge earthquakes, volcanoes erupting. I just think it wouldn’t be expected,” senior Riley Fahrenholdz said. If an apocalyptic flare coming toward us has yet to be predicted, have these items for your survival kit: - Canned Goods – nonperishable foods will be essential - Bottled water – solar radiation could pollute water supplies - Goggles – protect your eyes from harmful rays - Balaclava face mask – flashes from the sun can be harmful to the skin - Vitamins – There’s no telling what will happen to crops and livestock. Have vitamins to keep your health up - Fire extinguisher – fires will be a problem. Protect yourself with a fire extinguisher Check out the winner of the doomsday poll at myparkhill.com, and find more about the potential zombie apocalypse.
ON A SERIOUS NOTE... By: Beth Cooper
An emergency car kit is a good way to increase your safety, lower your stress, and get back on the road quicker in the event of any car troubles. “I got stuck in a parking lot one night with my friend. I had jumper cables and a flashlight in the emergency kit my dad made and put in the trunk for me, so I had the friend I was with get her car to jump mine,” senior Cassie Dailey said. “It’s important [to have an emergency kit] because you never know when you might get in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation and things like a flashlight and jumper cables can be very helpful, like in my case.” In the event of an emergency while on the road it’s important to have simple items such as a cell phone (but don’t use it when you drive!), a firstaid kit, tire gauge, gloves, a flashlight, and jumper cables. “I will always have jumper cables because I have a really bad habit of leaving everything in my car on,” said Dailey. With winter settling upon us, it’s always wise to add more to your emergency kit; having to wait for a tow truck or just scraping off your windows can get chilly as the cold weather moves in. Adding a windshield scraper, tire chains, blankets, and a hat will make your kit ready for the frosty weather ahead.
1. Senior Megan Gaschich and Freshman Julia Noll pose for the viral infection scenario. 2. Senior Mel Young and Junior Eva Ohman pose for the zombie apocalypse scenario. 3. The sky darkens as solar flares signal for the end. Special thanks to sophomore Erica Mast and freshmen Alana Devault, Kennedi Dorrell, Amanda Alexander, and Mackenzie Jones for participating in the photo shoot.
SPORTS
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LAUREN SHAW: NEW GIRL IN THE POOL By: Rylee Stoulil and Jake Bjornlie
Making a splash on the swim team for senior year, Lauren Shaw proved that switching to a new school doesn’t have to be such a traumatic experience. Not only does she have her eyes set on a state championship, but also on a college education at Brigham Young University. “This year, my goals are to drop two seconds on my two best events—the hundred free and the hundred back—and get a full ride scholarship to BYU, because right now it’s only 75 percent, and win state in the hundred free and hundred back,” said Shaw. The way to work her way up to a full scholarship is to drop time. For every second Shaw drops off her personal record, BYU will pay her more money to attend their school. Dropping just two more seconds will raise her scholarship to a full 100 percent. That is what drives Shaw to practice hard and continue to get better. “She’s at every practice. She’s already set her goals to be at the top of the state meet again this year, so she knows that she has to be training hard all year long to achieve those goals,” girls’ swim coach David Gourly said. Being at every practice may not seem like a big time commitment at first, but the swim team practices on average six or seven times a week. “We practice two mornings a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays for about an hour
and a half. We practice for about two hours every night Monday through Friday. A typical practice consists of a lot of drills, working on different strokes. Then we do sprinting towards the middle or end to try and get our heart rates up,” said Gourly. Shaw works hard at practice and, as a result, has become one of PH’s best swimmers. “I broke the record for the hundred backstroke. The record before was 1:01 and I swam it in 58 seconds. That’s actually a lot faster than I went last year at this time,” said Shaw. It is a big accomplishment to come to a new school and break the record at the first meet of the year. It “…is unbelievable, to be that good at that level,” said Gourly. The road to her senior year hasn’t been a walk in the park. Before she came to PH, Shaw learned that she had a major injury and needed surgery. “It was the spring of my sophomore year. I was never really good at the breaststroke and it made my knees weak, so my kneecaps would slide around a lot because they weren’t centered right anyway. So when I bent down to walk down the stairs, my kneecap slid out and the femur bone came out and knocked a piece of my kneecap out. They had to go in and reconstruct my entire knee,” said Shaw. What would normally be a career-ending injury had little impact on Shaw’s. Her doctors told her that she was supposed to
wait at least half a year before even thinking about getting back into the water, if at all, but Shaw knew she wouldn’t be able to wait that long. Three weeks after her surgery, she was back in the water, working harder than ever, for a good reason. “I’ve wanted to go to the Olympics for a really long time, since I was five years old. I used to watch the trials with my mom. Even when I was five, somebody would be like ‘Want to eat this candy bar?’ and I’d be like ‘No, I’m going to the Olympics’. Normal people don’t say that,” said Shaw. “Now everything I do is working towards my goal of one day making it to the Olympic trials and going to the Olympics. So, everything that I put in my body, every time that I wake up at 5:30 in the morning and I really don’t want to go to practice, I always think that I’m doing this because it’s going to help me accomplish everything. You just have to keep that in the back of your mind.” Swimming has always been a big part of Shaw’s life, and it will continue to be for at least the next four years when she takes high school swimming to the next level at BYU. “It’s kind of like breathing. I’ve been doing it so long, that when I don’t swim, I feel like I should be. I like it—I love it because I’ve been doing it for so long and it’s like if I’m not doing it, it feels like a part of me is missing. I feel incomplete,” said Shaw.
STEPPING UP By: Jesus Reyes
Members of Step Team are usually recognized because of their performances at assemblies and halftime shows. However, there is more to Step Team than meets the eye. “Through the years we’ve been invited to so many different events. We had an opportunity to go to the Treasury Department to perform for them, for Black History Month. Last year we went to Shawnee Mission, for their Multi-Culture Program,” club sponsor Barbara Rhodes said. “We are a crowd pleaser. Everyone wants to be a part of what they think is good. And we are good, I tell everybody that. I’ve always had very good performers.” Unlike dance and cheerleading, Step Team is not considered a sport—instead, it’s a club. They practice after school twice a week on Thursdays and Fridays, and anyone is welcome to join. This year, the squad has 22 members, including junior Atiya Spight. “I think Step Team is a great club to join because it’s like a sisterhood. It’s also available for anyone to join, and it’s one of the more unique clubs we have at Park Hill. My favorite thing about Step Team would have to be the practices. They’re not as intense as a lot of other sports practices because we like to have fun, but we also like to get work done,” said Spight. Step Team is also notable for the diversity of the team, which, according to club members, has been increasing in recent years. “Everyone thinks of Step Team as a minority group, which is not the case at all. Since Step Team was created, there have been other races on the team. Most people also think that you have to be a dancer or you have to have rhythm, but if you put yourself into it, dancing or rhythm doesn’t have anything to do with it. It’s more like a release of emotion,” junior and Step Team member Crishae’ Anderson said.
Sophomore Jazmine Moore and freshman Jamesha Hill perform with Step Team during halftime of the Dec. 14 home basketball game.
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WHAT’S IN YOUR CUP?
COMMUNITY
The Trojan staff’s favorite holiday drinks By: Rylee Stoulil and Jake Bjornlie With the holidays quickly approaching, the stress of gift buying is becoming more and more intense with each day that goes by. There’s no better way to get a small pick-me-up than a festive holiday drink. These are a few of the staff’s favorites to give you some ideas. Check myparkhill.com for Mrs. Beran’s homemade cranberry spice tea recipe! Gingerbread Latte -Junior Jake Bjornlie Hot Apple Cider -Junior Shannon Barry -Junior Molly Weis Cinnamon Dolce Frappuccino -Junior Zoe Butler Peppermint Hot Chocolate -Junior Rylee Stoulil Marble Mocha Macchiato -Senior Nick Buchberg Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate -Senior Claire Yost Hot Chocolate -Junior Jesus Reyes -Senior JT Fopeano Mocha Frappuccino -Senior Zach Hahn Salted Caramel Mocha -Senior Sadie Derry Caramel Brulee Latte -Junior Beth Cooper -Senior Camille Smith Caramel Frappuccino -Senior Brett Stone Hot Chocolate (Extra chocolate) -Junior Kaylin Lake -Junior Mackenzie ThomasHomemade Cranberry Spice Tea -Mrs. Sally Beran
Senior Nick Buchberg
Junior Beth Cooper
Poem submitted by freshman
Emilio Aguilar You’re the prettiest girl that I know You’re pretty mean you’re pretty cold You can make men feel so low Sugar nor spice you’re mean not nice Your blood your heart is cold as ice You’re pretty mean or just plain mad Your thoughts on men are pretty bad You’re pretty heartless you’re pretty cruel At times I feel that I’m the fool You broke my spirit you broke my pride Your hate within you cannot hide Once I heard of what you said “All men not women should be dead” Your cold, cold heart is what you’ve shown I’ve heard it all on your telephone You’re pretty damn mean You’re pretty damn cold You’re the prettiest damn girl I’ve ever known!
HOLIDAY GIFTS UNDER
$10
Christmas is soon arriving! For all those procrastinators out there who aren’t quite sure what gifts to buy on their budget try some of these gifts, all fewer than ten dollars! Pajama pants can be purchased for five dollars at Gordmans.
Don’t let your friend forget their school ID anymore! All you need is some colored string and you can make them a personal lanyard.
Phone cases can be a good accessory to give to anyone. A wide variety of phone cases can be found on the website Wanelo.
All you need is a picture frame with glass and an erasable marker to create an erasable calender.
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FAST FIVE By: Claire Yost
Freshman Canten Marriot
LIFE
What is your New Year’s resolution for this year? How and when did you find out that Santa Claus wasn’t real, and how did that make you feel?
To enjoy things more and not put so much pressure on myself.
I never really make one, because I think that if you want to achieve something you don’t have to wait for a reason.
Just now, what a major disappointment to find out that Santa isn’t real.
Well, my parents never sat me down and talked to me, but I just kind of figured it out on my own based on what people were saying.
What is your My favorite memory is winning the favorite annual two-hand holiday touch football memory? game at last year’s Why? Thanksgiving.
What are some things you enjoy doing on your snow days?
Sophomore Amanda Battmer
On a snow day I normally sleep in and just hang out for the day.
What is your My grandpa’s favorite homemade pancakes holiday food on whatever holiday and why? I’m not cutting weight for wrestling.
All the years when I was little and my family would do all the classic holiday traditions like sledding, building snowmen, and making cookies.
Junior Jaime Arnold I would have to say my new year’s resolution is to be less stressed out.
Senior Chase Bengtson
Teacher Jill Jackson
To play a third of the video games that are being released this year.
I think like anyone else it would be to lose weight, and another goal of mine is to always save money.
My parents divorced I found out I found out that Santa when I was 11, and I somewhere in wasn’t real at recess quickly learned that elementary school, in first grade by a boy Santa only came to my I don’t remember named Kevin. I was mother’s house, and pissed at my parents for when. I just remember slowly coming to the not my father’s. When lying to me. I got letters back they realization that he were in my mother’s wasn’t real. I sort of handwriting. I had a just used the process little sister so I had to of elimination on my play along for a little own. while. My favorite holiday My sister and I thought One Christmas when memory would the tree skirt was an we had our Christmas have to be when my actual skirt and we tree down in the mom and dad and I would fight over who basement instead of celebrated it together would get to wear it. at the front of the and I’d spend all day One night my mother house, I remember opening presents one made us put it under the going down there by one. I’d open one, tree, and so we decided and it seemed like build it and play with there were a lot more to eat dinner under the it then move on to presents than usually. tree, so we lay under the the next one. Christmas tree eating hot dogs. One of the best memories.
Well, this year I can On snow I usually stay in my I sit at home and drive so hopefully days I hang pajamas for a while, play video games and it will be different, out with shovel snow, catch up watch Youtube. My but I would just sit friends, drink on my daytime TV, favorite video games in my house and do hot chocolate, read my Kindle. are RPG’s, something nothing instead of and shovel that’s not Call of Duty. freezing in the snow. the widow’s driveway across the street. Peanut butter balls that my mom makes. It sounds awkward but they are really delicious.
My favorite food would have to be baklava.
Mashed potatoes and gravy is my favorite thing to eat on the holidays.
My favorite would have to be the Christmas candy that people make. The tradition of it being passed down from generation to generation is a great thought. I enjoy making it but I also enjoy eating it.
IT’S NOT JUST YOU: New Year, New Change By: Mackenzie Thomas
While most of the student population will be dragging their legs back to school January 3, senior Luke Dreiling will be traveling across the globe. “I’m going to Jinja, Uganda in January and I will be there for six months working at the Ekisa Ministries special needs orphanage,” said Dreiling. “They just opened up a school and I’ll be teaching basic things. And, since they are special needs kids, I’ll be helping them with physical therapy and just doing fun activities with them every day.” Dreiling surprised his parents with his announcement of wanting to graduate early in order to spend six months volunteering in Uganda at an orphanage with no running water or electricity. He was greeted with support, and hopes that this adventure will help him clear up what he wants to do in college. “I recommend everybody to explore their options after high school and not limit themselves to the typical college experience,” said Dreiling. Teacher Tara Bell will not be traveling across the globe after the new year, but rather bringing a new baby into the world. With the quickly approaching arrival of her little boy, Bell’s life is bound to take a few new turns. “It’s not just about me anymore; it’s about making sure the baby has what it needs,” said Bell. “You can’t be as selfish.” Not only adjusting what she eats, Bell is going to have to adjust to teaching with a growing baby bump. “I will miss the last month of school, and especially with split
blocks, there is a lot of review that goes on at this time and it’s just a big difference having to build in review as I go through my teaching,” said Bell. Bell welcomes and is excited for this new member of her family to arrive. “I love him already. It’s really crazy just how much I already love him,” said Bell. Junior Lyndi Plattner also has a big change coming up after the new year. She has been living in the same house since she was three years old, but she’ll soon be moving into a new home, leaving behind an old one that holds memories of her childhood. “We’ve been building a house the last six months and we’re finally going to be moving into it in the new year,” said Plattner. “My dad drew [the plans for] the whole house, so he gave me exactly what I wanted.” The Plattner family bought land to build their house on in the middle of the summer and started building towards the end of the summer. Now complete, they plan to move in after the start of 2013. Leaving her home of fourteen years, Plattner is ready to move forward, but will never forget her roots. “We made so many memories there that it is going to be hard to forget,” said Plattner. A new year can mean so many different things for students and teachers alike. The dropping of the ball on New Year’s Eve can mean a fresh start for anyone willing to take it. Whether going through changes big or small in the upcoming year; it’s not just you.