The View by Park Hill South View

Park Hill South High School Riverside, Mo.

November 3, 2021 Volume 24, Issue 2

view the

I t ’s a Jo u rn ey Not a D e s t in a t io n p a g e s 1 2 -1 4

:katie claunch

“A letter from the editor.” The assignment seemingly sounds easy, but such a broad topic provided me with way too much wiggle room. I started taking Newspaper just last semester and I’m lucky to be on the editor team now. I hold the role as the news, opinion, and design editor on staff. As a semester grad, I have a couple short months left until I graduate and I’m sad to see it coming to a close. My time on staff has built my character as well as my portfolio which is something I will forever be grateful for. This issue is one that I’m especially proud of. Our staff worked diligently to provide a newspaper that touched on the recent issues we’ve been facing. We struggled finding the perfect words to describe the events of the past few months. Our response is anything but perfect, but it is definitely from the heart.

table of

STAFF

letter from the editor

Editors: Katie Claunch Tyler Clippard Kara Hagen Alyssa Kobayashi Hadley Uribe

featured:

Reporters: Kaitlyn Cain Sam Chase Megan DiBernardo Summer McAlister Sophia Nguyen Brooke Thompson Nev Ada Yildirim

18-19 Information about injured 16 atheletes A feature on Gathering 4-5 Grounds Coffee A feature on a student buying 22-23 and selling shoes A story on all things fall. 6-7 & Traditions, food, trends, and more 20-21 An update on how all the fall sports ended

contents 18-19

16 4-5

22-23

6-7 & 20-21

The view is published six times during the regular school year as the student news publication of Park Hill South High School is Riverside, MO. Opinions expressed here are that of the student journalists and do not necessarily reflect te opinions of the Park Hill School District. To access the editorial policies or to submit a letter to the editor, visit our website at phsouthnews.com The View is a member of National Scholastic Press Association and the MIssouri Interscholastic Press Association and is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, KS.

1 2 3

4 5 6

A A

C B

7 8 9

B A

D D

T w o S o u th s tu d e n ts re c o g n iz e d fo r th e ir a c h ie v e m e n t o f re a c h in g N a tio n a l M e rit According to the College Board, last year around 4.5 million high school juniors took the PSAT, but only 50,000 were rewarded for National Merit. This honor is a major accomplishment for two South seniors, Commended Student Keegan Good, and Semifinalist Siddharth Suvarna. “Dr. Herren called me down to his office to let me know that I was a Commended Student. We were so excited so we called my mom,” Good said. The PSAT stands for the Preliminary SAT. It is a test used to qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship. Most students take the test their junior year, and it takes a few weeks to get scores back. However, students don’t find out if they qualified for the scholarship until almost a year later. Good and Suvarna both worked hard to prepare themselves for the PSAT. “After finding out the SAT and PSAT are really similar, I mostly used Khan Academy to study. Their courses really helped me,” said Suvarna. Due to the pandemic, the results of last year’s National Merit finalists were not released. Therefore, Good and Suvarna weren’t able to compare their scores to last year’s winners. They knew around what score they needed, but nothing was promised.

Siddharth Suvarna

Suvarna achieved the title of Semifinalist. He finished in the top one percent of test-takers. He is now qualified to apply to be a finalist. He has gotten two recommendation letters from teachers and one from an administrator. On his own side, he had to write a personal essay with background details on his life. He had one piece of advice for this year’s testers. “The most important thing to remember is to not take the PSAT lightly, especially if you know you have a good chance of doing well on it,” Suvarna said. Good was awarded Commended Student from the National Merit Scholarship Program. 34,000 students are given this title after taking the PSAT. She finished in the top 3-4 percent of all test takers. “I am someone who loves taking standardized tests and I usually watch YouTube videos to prepare myself. I also asked former students for advice,” Good said. South is honored to have two students who work so hard to achieve such a prestigious title. If you are interested in taking the PSAT as a junior, talk to your counselors or teachers. The National Merit Scholarship Program makes students’ dreams come true each year.

Keegan Good

Two Smart

Cookies by KARA HAGEN

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Fab-brew-lous G a t h e r in g G ro u n d s re t u r n s a f t e r s e t b a c k s b ro u g h t o n b y C O V ID -1 9 by BROOKE THOMPSON

There is nothing like a nice cup of coffee to start off your morning. Fortunately, Gathering Grounds is a cafe located in the media center, open Tuesday and Friday mornings and during Tutorials to sell various beverages to the students and teachers of South. It was opened in 2019 after receiving a grant from the Park Hill Education Foundation. What makes this establishment so special, however, is the opportunities it provides to the Special Education program at South and the students that run it. From taking money to keeping services clean while making beverages, these students do it all. “Seeing them gain confidence and responsibility and seeing them complete tasks without even having to be given instructions, that’s the best part for me, just seeing their growth,” said Jared Elmore, special education, one of the faculty members that helps keep Gathering Grounds running smoothly. “Working at Gathering Grounds provides real-life, hands-on work skills opportunities,: said Sarah McDaniels, a special education teacher and the woman behind the wheel.

However, this opportunity wasn’t available for students last year due to coronavirus restrictions. Gathering Grounds could only operate minimally, only supplying coffee for special occasions. “We are open this year to be ready for teachers and students who deserve coffee or hot chocolate,” Gathering Grounds Employee Nick Roos explained. With drinks as good as the ones they are serving this year, the employees can’t help but partake in the fun. “My favorite drink is the same as Nick’s: Hot Cocoa. We like it because it keeps us warm and is really good for us,” Trey Loelkes, an employee who has worked at the Gathering Grounds since the very beginning, said. Gathering Grounds has a unique ability to bring everyone in the school together for students to teachers and everyone in between. If there is anything the employees of the Gathering Grounds and the students of the school have in common, it’s their love for this coffee shop. “It really does have a coffee shop feel,” Elmore said. “That is why we call it the Gathering Grounds.”

“Working at Gathering Grounds provides real life, hands-on work skills opportunities.”

This picture features Trey (left) and Nick (right) while they work at the Gathering Grounds.

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Follow the Gathering Grounds Instagram to stay up to date!

Reopening

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I Can’t BELEAF M a n y o f th e g re a t fa ll tre n d s h a v e re tu rn e d th is y e a r a ll o v e r S o u th

The leaves aren’t the only thing that changes in the fall, as new trends of fall music, decorations, food and more fill the air. Throughout the halls of South, several of the biggest fall trends can be seen. Outfits with layers, flannels, sweaters and jeans are essential to match the changing weather. Mia Personelli, junior, said, “Knit sweaters or cozy outfits with sweatpants and sweatshirts are all that I want to wear right now.” Colors like forest green and brown, oversized flannels, and darker denim can be seen throughout the school. Marin Zink, sophomore, whose favorite season is fall, said, “I love wearing baggy sweaters in the fall so much. Finally being able to layer up makes me so happy and much more comfortable.” Calm and mellow music is a big trend in the fall time. Artists like Tame Impala, Wallows, Frank Ocean and Clario have albums to be streamed during the changing seasons. “I have Taylor Swift on repeat during the fall. I listen to ‘Folklore’ and ‘Evermore’ the most. Those two albums feel so much like fall. My favorite songs are ‘Cardigan’ and ‘Cowboy Like Me.’ Taylor sounds amazing and I love the instrumental music behind it,” said Zink.

Scan here to see some of the best Halloween movies to watch this season

Fall Bucket List • Pumpkin Patch • S’mores • Halloween movie binge-watching • Football game • Carve pumpkins • Bake E N T E R TA IN M E N T 6 p h s o u th n e w s.c o m

it’s Fall Time!

by NEV ADA YILDIRIM

Many baked goods are prepared in the oven during the months of fall. Everything seems to be pumpkin flavored, from different cereals to cookies. Many snacks are transformed with the seasonal flavor that brands like Oreo and Pop-Tarts add. Anne Green, sophomore, has a special story that she holds with the pumpkin bread she makes. “This year I decided to make pumpkin bread from a recipe passed down from my grandmother. I was named after her, and now I make the bread the way that she does, with fresh pumpkin puree. It’s so warm and has a strong pumpkin flavor. I made two loaves and passed them out to my friends to share the delicious bread experience with them,” said Green. One of the biggest shows that returns every fall is “Gilmore Girls.” The seven-season show set in small town Connecticut always captivates the warm feeling of fall. “That show is fall; the homey atmosphere is so welcoming. I have to rewatch it every year because it’s such an adorable show that makes me really happy,” said Green. Many fall-themed items come to the shelves every year. Scented candles and decorative mini pumpkins can be found at Target. Decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving or just the season, in general, are found everywhere. Just like the season of fall, the trends attached to it come back every year to celebrate the great season. From foods to fashion, you can’t look around without feeling fall in the air.

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The Color Green A s h o r t s to r y a b o u t tw o s tra n g e rs in N YC a n d th e tra g e d y th a t fo llo w s

by HADLEY URIBE

Lucy sets the last framed painting on its stand before turning towards the small crowd before her. She squints at the backs of potential customers as they explore the customized prints made by her competitor—trying to imagine their faces. To Lucy, her ‘competitor’, the large framed, motherly woman, is just her peer. The woman’s misty grey hair falls out of her hair clip, framing her round face. Her eyebrows reach her hairline and the lines around her mouth run deep as she explains her best-selling Times Square print to a stranger. Lucy can’t help but notice the way people listen when the woman talks. She yearns for that feeling of importance. The feeling that the words she speaks are forever tattooed into the skin, mind, and hearts of those around her. “How much for this piece?” Lucy turns towards the new voice. She’s met with a black suit. Her one green, one blue

eyes raise to meet deep green. Wow, she thinks. From his distinct cupid’s bow to his slightly crooked nose—Lucy was mesmerized. Her eyes scan over his black loafers all the way to his messy dark hair that falls perfectly in place. “How much for the piece…Picasso?” the voice asks again. A small frown takes up Lucy’s slim, tanned face as she speaks. “Picasso doesn’t even make sense. If anything, you would call me Monet.” “Monet…?” The man’s lips start to lift, his hand reaches for his chin. “I like Picasso better.” Lucy lets out a mix between a laugh and a sigh. “It’s impressionism versus abstract.” “I’m aware.” “Then you’re also aware you can’t call me Picasso.” “What can I call you?” “…Lucy,” she says.

Scan to read more stories by Hadley Uribe

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The old woman who sells prints across from Lucy lets out a loud laugh. Three pigeons fly away from the spilled popcorn on the concrete. “Lucy…” he says slowly. “I like it. It suits you.” “Thank you…I think.” The man nods while his eyes stay trained on her ladybug necklace laying across her collarbone. Lucy furrows her dark brows and reaches for her necklace. The ladybug flies around her fingers as she tries to make eye contact with the man standing in front of her. “I actually didn’t catch your name,” Lucy says. “I actually didn’t give it to you.” “Right. Well, Crow, to answer your earlier question—all of the paintings here are $20 apiece.” “Crow?” “Crow.” The man sighs and shakes his head. His shoulders slump as he laughs. “Theodore,” he says. A small smile forms on Lucy’s face. His laugh surprises her as it’s softer than she imagined. She hands him a painting of the scenery in front of them—only the trees are bare and the people around them are replaced with snowmen. “Here,” she says, “on the house.” “Why?” “Other than the fact that you’re the first person in an hour to show interest in my work?” “I’m sorry,” Theodore says. A beat goes by. “I think your work is pretty good—for a street artist.” There’s a smirk on his face as he lifts his eyes from the painting in his hand to meet Lucy’s eyes. “I’m not Banksy.” “Never said you were.” They stare, looking into each other’s eyes for what seems like eternity to Lucy. It was only about thirty seconds before they were interrupted by a locker slamming, thud, and a shout for help. Growing up, Lucy’s aunt always told her if

she was ever in a situation of fight or flight, then she should fight. Luce, You need to be your own knight and shining armor, she would say. She had been alone for as long as Lucy could remember as her husband died after a year of being married. She was her own protector and always tried to pass that on to others. Lucy had never needed her aunt more as she stares down the barrel of a gun. Her feet are stuck in cement, her fingers tightening to the point of shaking. She tried to blink but she couldn’t. Theodore is talking slowly to her as soon as the tall, pale man in front of her starts shouting at the people around them. There’s cotton in her ears—interfering with her hearing. Locker slamming, thud. She feels a warm hand in her own, but it’s ripped away and she’s pulled against someone’s back. Lucy prays she’s safe in Theodore’s arms. Locker slamming, thud. The arm holding her in place is covered in long black sleeves. Thank God, it’s Theo. Then she noticed her captor’s green converse. Something hard is pressed against her skull. “You move and I won’t hesitate,” the man whispers in Lucy’s hair. Goosebumps envelop her body like a second skin. She searches the frantic crowd in front of her for Theo, but he’s nowhere to be seen. Please Theo. “Why?” Lucy asks, her voice not reaching her own ears. The man blinks. “I was bored.” I was bored. The words are tattooed on Lucy’s skin, mind, and heart. A strand of misty grey hair catches her eye as she stares at the bodies on the ground. Her fingers twitch. Be your own knight and shining armor. Locker slamming. Thud.

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“Squid Game” Isn’t Child’s Play

R e v ie w o n th e n e w e s t h it s h o w : S q u id G a m e

b y S O P H IA N G U Y E N To say that “Squid Game” is the most popular show in the world doesn’t seem to do it justice. “Squid Game” is that show. It’s the show. I have never been more peer pressured in my life to do anything than I have been to watch this cinematic bloodbath. Topping Netflix charts in 90 countries, with Netflix’s CEO speculating that it may end up being the company’s most popular show ever, “Squid Game”’s rise to the top has been meteoric and nothing less than extraordinary. You could expect that any show that has received so much attention and praise is doomed to feel a bit underwhelming. And I’ll be honest: it totally did for the first few episodes. Unfortunately, anyone that’s been on the internet in the past month already knows what happens in the first couple of episodes. (I’m not even on Tiktok or Instagram and I’ve still seen Red Light, Green Light memes everywhere.) And the dalgona challenge ends up feeling like more of the same. I didn’t truly begin to appreciate the

intricacy of “Squid Game” until later episodes. Gory violence may be the guilty pleasure you can’t look away from, but something far more captivating is the simultaneous ugliness and beauty humanity we begin to see showcased as the story progresses. Every character feels wonderfully complex and morally grey enough to make you wonder: could this be me? And with the wide array of characters on the cast, the answer is yes for everyone. However, perhaps the most complicated facet of “Squid Game” is the double pleasure viewers experience. This is a show that clucks its tongue at violence, yet is designed, from the garishly bright walls to the innocently childish jungle gym, to be splattered with blood. We’re told to condemn the evil in society, yet are never truly condemned for enjoying it. In this way, “Squid Game”’s much-touted study of greed and classism seems a bit twodimensional, based more on entertainment than exploration of modern life.

“Life is like a game, there are many players. If you don’t play with them, they’ll play with you.” ~ Oh Il-Nam

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Overall: Solid 8/10.

FALL intosom

O n e s ta p le o f fa ll is a v a rie ty o f th e m e d d rin k s. H e re a re a fe w fa v o rite s y o u c a n m a k e y o u rs e lf. by SUMMER McALISTER

e DRINKS

The time is finally here, crunchy leaves, cool breeze, pumpkin patches, and of course pumpkin spice. Every year at this time coffee shops big and small have seasonal drinks for Fall. Ranging from a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte to a lesser known Spiced Apple Cider, these drinks are definitely one of the best parts of Fall for coffee lovers. Along with fall, people begin to stay inside more often as well. Homemade drinks have started taking the internet by storm, so heres some easy to make homemade fall themed drinks!

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Caramel Drizzle Pumpkin Flavoring Sweet Cream Cold Brew First, get yourself a glass and fill halfway wth ice. Then, take your cold brew and fill until ice begins to float. From there, add in 2 TBS of pumpkin flavoring and mix together. Once mixed, pour in some cold foam until even with the rim of the glass (unless thats too full). Lastly, finish it off with a caramel drizzle and a straw of your choice!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Frozen Banana 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice 1/2 cup milk 2 TBS maple syrup 2/3 cup pumpkin puree Ice Add all ingrediants in the order listed and blend on high for roughly 3 minutes. If its too thick thin it with more milk, and if too thin add more ice cubes. Pour into a cup and enjoy!

Tapioca Boba (pearls not Tea) Tapioca Flour- 2 TBSP Orange/ Black food dye Hot Water- 2 TBSP In a bowl, put in 2 TBS of your Tapioca Flour and make a well in the middle. Then, get your hot water and mix in until a stretchy dough is formed. Then, split into two balls, and put orange food dye in one, and black in the other until solid colored. Begin making pea sized balls of the dough. Once done, boil in water for 15 minutes, and rest in ice water. Add to any tea of your choice and enjoy!

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e often forget about reality in life, because it’s far too easy to get lost in the imagination. When we were younger, we were told to dream bigger than ourselves, and we could be anything we could possibly imagine. Ranging anywhere from a princess fairy to an astronaut, it never really mattered what, just that it was possible. That’s our story, except that’s not the whole story. There must be missing pieces, because my friend that doesn’t look like me or sound like me is being told to understand descrimination at age 5. We bleed the same crimson red, and breathe the same crisp fresh air, but at some point, we grow up and we have no choice but to face reality. In the month of October, South experienced some not-soimaginary truths. More often than not, these truths go unheard of, unsuspected and unseen. There’s a reason students “weren’t surprised” about racism at school, and there is a reason this reality must be spoken of. One month ago, an online petition to bring back slavery sent shockwaves of emotions throughout the school, immediately catching the media’s attention and spreading like wildfire in the eyes of students and staff. Many had different opinions to share on the subject, but the most common feeling was shock and concern. Though Dr. Kerrie Herren, principal, said when he addressed the student body that so many “weren’t surprised,” it’s still surprising when someone’s history is juggled in front of their face as a joke. It’s never not surprising, and it can only be described as a feeling many have gotten used to. “I was frustrated and angry, not necessarily about the petition, but the people defending the person who made it, just because it’s not funny. It’s my life,” Reagan Kelley, junior and member

FIRST RESPONSE -Grade Level Assemblies -Lunch Conversations -Connect with affinity groups (i.e. BSU) -Prioritizing Sense of Belonging Committee -Student Town Hall Meetings

of the BSU (Black Student Union), said. “I have to live as a black student, and as a black person 24/7. Being concerned about my safety at school isn’t something I want to have to worry about, and I know that’s the same for a lot of people of color at this school, and in the world.” This is not the first incident of racism at South in its 20plus year history; it’s only brought attention to a fraction of the oppression present inside (and outside) of the halls. Ahmed Redwa, senior and member of BSU, said she has her own experiences of being discriminated against because of what people see when they look at her. “All that is seen is my hijab. You see my hijab and you think I’m going to hurt you, but I’m not even Arab. My dad has raised me not to fear death, so if I get shot and killed, I get shot and killed. That’s just how it is--we are so used to hearing it. If you get caught in a school shooting you’re going to be targeted, because you are black in a hijab. You just pray to god that you don’t die. That’s just how sad the world is,” Redwa said. Redwa is just one of many students who were willing to share their personal stories. Brooklyn Johnson, junior and another member of BSU, said, “I was really upset, because I feel like a lot of people thought that this was the first incident of racism that’s ever happened at South. People fail to understand that though this was big, there is so much underlying racism [here].” Because he understood from students, staff and parents that it was bigger than just one event, during the week following the petition, Dr. Herren held an assembly titled, “Let’s Talk,” addressing students directly. He also showed a video that was made over the summer, before the petition, featuring South students holding signs of derogatory names or statements they had been called or heard at South. Every class had different opinions on the assembly; some said they thought it wasn’t genuine, and some said it was the best the principal could do. “Being there it was an uncomfortable situation, but sometimes you have to talk about things that are uncomfortable,” Darryle Jumper, freshman and football player, said. Dr. Herren addressing the situation with an assembly should only be the start, according to Jaelyn Woodley, Freshman Class President. “I think it needs to start being addressed and we have to understand that people have different backgrounds and ethnicity,” she said. “We have to start understanding that our words do have an impact, and we need to start doing something, and bringing up how our peers are being affected. By what you say, what you do; negative or positive. We need to have more positivity going on.” Last year, way before the petition, administration established a Student Sense of Belonging Committee that any student has the opportunity to be a part of. Diane Markley, assistant principal, heads the committee and stressed a few points that students have the opportunity to do in order to make this positive change. “Students can engage in conversations with people who think differently and seek to understand another person’s experiences who are different than your own,” Markley said. “Listen to one another and give one another a space in which to be heard. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or get an adult to help work through a tough situation. Keep learning from one another and ask questions in order to grow.” Redwa, who is also a member of the Student Sense of Belonging Committee, expressed concerns about what gets lost.

“I feel like the black people here have lost their culture, because of the white people oppressing them, and I hate that for them, because African culture is amazing. It’s beautiful,” she said. Redwa isn’t wrong; African culture is beautiful and a huge part of United States history. Many students are unaware that South offers an African-American Studies course. In fact, the Social Studies department offers several “studies” courses, including Women’s, Asian and Latin Studies. In the past, these courses were only offered every other year. However, Lisa Brooks-Hammond, the African-American Studies teacher, has been actively working to make the classes available year round. It doesn’t matter who is taking the class, the purpose is to educate those of a history outside of the structured box. When teaching African-American Studies, Brooks-Hammond said her favorite part is unleashing eye-opening knowledge that has never been taught to so many students. “America is struggling right now understanding the tension between the races,” she said. “The tension is historical, and it’s being perpetuated, but understanding where that tension comes from I think is critical, and understanding how to get rid of it. If you’re not going to acknowledge the history, how can you move past the history?” Brooks-Hammond said she believes every student in the building should take at least one studies course before they graduate and hopes it will become a graduation requirement so that all students are exposed to cultures different from their own. “I’ll say it to the principals and I’ll say it to the District Office over and over again: it needs to become a graduation requirement. Take a ‘studies’ course, it doesn’t have to be mine. Take African American Studies. Take Latin. Take Asian. Every single student needs to take at least one,” she said. There’s also a new position in the Park Hill School District that is actively bringing attention to changes that need to be made. Titled Director of Access Inclusion and Family Engagement, the purpose is to ensure success for all students, regardless of background. Fulfilling the position is Dr.Terri Deayon, who said she is determined to find equality for all students, staff, parents and the community. Before this position was made official this year, Dr. Deayon was an advisor to the superintendent, Dr. Jeanette Cowherd. Deayon explained that the district has been working in equity since 2015. “If nothing else, it gives a position and space for someone to focus on the work,” she said. “We, as a district, have been and will continue to be committed to this work.” She said the most critical way for the work to make progress is to have the participation of all stakeholders: teachers, administrators, students, parents and more. “This work is work that is a journey, not a destination” Dr. Deayon said. “We will all continue to grow and evolve and improve, requiring us all to listen and ask questions, and to be open minded. That will help us as we grow and learn and heal and restore our community.” This is the face of reality: never-ending, never to disappear, and always relevant... but change doesn’t have to stay a dream.

I t ’s a Jo u rn ey Not a D e s t in a t io n S o u th re a c ts to a n d b e g in s th e p ro c e s s o f re s p o n s e a fte r ra c ia l in c id e n ts o n c a m p u s b y K A IT L IN C A IN

“We need to start doing something, and bringing up how our peers are being affected.”

With the events of the past month, there’s one thing that’s become glaringly clear: we need change to happen. The fact that parents and students can say they’re “not surprised” says something deeply troubling. There are students who, despite the efforts of the administration and staff, do not feel they belong—at South and far beyond our halls. They do not mark “agree” on the many surveys asking if they feel safe at school. And until recently, most would have just “brushed off” slurs or derogatory terms. If the slavery petition had not been discovered by the national media, it might have been swept under the rug like many other incidents students of color experience sometimes daily. This is and should be alarming. But to blame it on a group of “bad apples” or a “bad school” is to ignore a deeper-rooted issue. Truthfully, what happened at our school has happened at many others, not just in the area but around the nation. Just a week after the petition here, students at Olathe South gained national attention for slavery-related remarks on a Homecoming proposal poster. Teachers at several high schools in the metro have been suspended for using racist terms. In 2019, Platte County students hung a noose in a bathroom and others shared a Google Doc full of racist slurs with the student body. It’s a cultural issue that is embedded in society, but that doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause. Change isn’t fast, and change isn’t easy. As Dr. Deayon said, “this work is work that is a journey, not a destination.” But there are clear and simple actions you can take. Speak up. Evaluate yourself. Don’t be the bystander. We say this understanding that it’s cliché. When discussing topics of race, it can be difficult for some to add anything new to the conversation when so much has been said over and over and over—but maybe that’s all there is to say. It’s supposed to make you uncomfortable, otherwise you can’t grow from it. Maybe the only thing we can ever truly control is ourselves. All great change starts at an individual level. As cheesy as it sounds— this isn’t who we want to be... and it isn’t who we were meant to be.

O P IN IO N p h s o u th n e w s.c o m

O ur Jo u rn ey Is U p To U s S TA F F E D IT O R IA L T h e Vie w ’s s ta ff c o m m e n ts o n w h e re S o u th g o e s fro m h e re

ANOTHER by KATIE CLAUNCH

T h e in c e n tiv e p ro g ra m a t S o u th ta k e s a tu rn ... fo r th e w o rs t?

incentive attempt

Incentive at Park Hill South has gone back and forth from being catered to the students to not existing at all. There have been many issues with what it was and what it is now, but maybe what it could be is our best option. The first incentive program worth mentioning is the color card system. This worked really well, it was fair to everyone and gave every person what they deserved. They made exceptions for those who’s grades weren’t reflecting their effort and any other special circumstances. Unfortunately, there was a lawsuit over labeling students with a colored card system and the program got shut down. During the 2018-19 school year, it was based on GPA and attendance, and students were able to leave early from the last block. This allowed them to leave school and go home. Upperclassmen loved it, but those without cars were stuck waiting for their rides. A small ribbon incentive program was created for the 2019-20 school year. Even if this had been successful, it wouldn’t have lasted long with COVID in the spring months. This is similar to the 2020-21 school year. With the craziness of the 2020-21 school year, the incentive

was never brought back. This did bring concern to the students and I’m sure the administration was bombarded with many complaints. On September 30, some students received an email from Diane Markley, assistant principal, that informed them of their receiving the incentive for the first quarter. Students who are in a club then received a sticker from their Tutorial teacher to put on their ID cards in order to leave tutorial at the travel bell. These students are able to go to the Cafeteria or the gym in order to socialize with friends from other tutorials and grades. If a student has an e-hallpass, they must go to the pass before going to one of the alternate locations. This allows students to socialize, but not many people are utilizing it. It’s a hassle to have to leave tutorial and it isn’t worth it. School years in the future have a lot of potential. Maybe something that mixes all the systems together would be beneficial. Taking the good parts of them all: those with grades reflecting learning/effort, leaving early incentive, free tutorial incentive and so on. This could also be something that adds some awesome stuff too. Candy? Random special days? Banana Split day? And so on… the possibilities are endless.

past

present

future

- color card system - gpa/attendance - nothing

- club involvement

- more inclusive - gets everyone involved - grades reflect level

O P IN IO N p h s o u th n e w s.c o m

out for the

SEASON

S o u t h s p o r t s a t h le t e s h a v e s u ff e re d fro m m a n y s p o r t s in ju r ie s t h is fa ll

by ALYSSA KOBAYASHI

Ronin Kim (9)

Briggs Bartosh (11) Briggs Bartosh is dealing with a high ankle sprain after getting trapped between people on the field in week 5 of the football season. The recovery for this injury is about 4-5 months.

At the beginning of this football season, Ronin Kim broke off two pieces of knee cap, tore his patella tendon (which holds kneecap in place), dislocated his knee cap, has a hole in the cartilage, and a bone bruise on his femur. This will take him about a year to recover.

Sydney Munch (12)

Kayla Richardson ( 9)

Kayla Richardson hurt her MCL from overuse during cross country. It takes about a month to recover but she is always there to support her team.

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Sydney Munch tore her ACL last spring. Sadly, she had to get surgery at the beginning of this school year which made her unable to participate in this years cross country season. Sydney is excited to be back and ready for this year’s soccer season.

Grant Dunaway (11) Grant Dunaway sprained his ankle during the football game against Staley, leaving him out of the games for 2-3 weeks.

think

PINK

S o u th s p o r ts te a m s h e lp e d s p re a d B re a s t C a n c e r A w a re n e s s d u rin g th e m o n th o f O c to b e r

photos by FINN WENTA, MOLLY O’HARA & AYLA RINGO S P O R T S

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FALLing out of Fall Sports G irls S o ftb a ll

The girls softball team had a bit of a rollercoaster season, with highs like beating the conference champions Staley twice, but also losing in a very close game in the first round of the District tournament. St. Joe went on to play in the district championship and South played a very close game with them, losing 2-1. The girls will look forward to next season where hopefully they can build on this year.

Vo lle y b a ll The volleyball team had a phenomenal season, going undefeated in conference play for the first time since 2016. Their only losses this year were in tournaments against really highly ranked schools or against the best schools in the state. The Lady Panthers also won the KSA tournament in Orlando, Fla. They lost a heartbreaker against Liberty 3-0 but each set was within five points.

G irl Te n n is Girls tennis squad had a great year, winning Conference. They also played in great District tournaments where they placed second in a close match with Park Hill. Sydney Dial and Vivien Hamilton qualified for the State meet and placed 8th in doubles.

G irls C ro s s C o u n tr y Girls cross country team is coming off a great year where they weren’t expected to do great but they still did. They placed 7th at State last year when they weren’t even supposed to make it, and now this year, the spotlight is on them. They won the Conference meet for a second year in a row and went into Districts as the 3rd ranked team. They had seven girls get the AllConference award and only one of them was a senior. Ella Conkline, junior, also qualified for the State meet. The team will only lose one senior, Shea Worley, who has run varsity for four years.

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B o y s C ro s s C o u n tr y The boys cross country team has not had one of the best seasons but it has had some highs for sure. Early in the year, they lost their second best runner, Andrew Gordon due to a broken foot. The boys placed fifth at Conference and had three runners place in the top 20 and earn All-Conference.

G irls G o lf

Girls Golf team had a great year where three girls went to State and the team was close to qualifying. At districts three girls: Sara Montalbano, Abby Ervin, and Mckenna Casey qualified to State. At the State tournament only the top 15 earn All-State honors. Casey placed 26th, Ervin 47th, and Montalbano 53rd.

F o o tb a ll The boys football team is having an unreal season going 9-0 for the first time ever. They went into Districts as the one seed, playing and beating Blue Springs South in the first round. However, the excitement is mainly focused on what is happening in round 2. South is going up against Park Hill for the first time in five years after both teams won in the first round.

B o y s S w im The boys swim team hopes to continue its streak of dominating every year. They did complete this goal at the Conference meet, winning every event except the 100-meter backstroke. They continue on to the Districts meet where they hope to replicate this performance lead by seniors Alec Enyeart and Luke Brown.

Bo ys So ccer The boys soccer team had a great season consdering the amount of players they lost in the last two years. They went 11-8 on the year and went into the District tournament as the #3 seed. They also took second in the conference, only a few games back on Lee Summit. They suffered a heart breaking loss to North Kansas City in the first round of the playoffs.

by TYLER CLIPPARD

photos by CATIE TEJEDA, MYA HAILEY, ALYDA VAN ASSELT, KATE HERMELINK, DAYANA CISNEROS, MOLLY HENRY & LAYLA MARTINEZ

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Ty Stone (freshman)

Stone will be celebrating his Thanksgiving at Weatherby Lake at his grandma’s house. All the Stone family gathers at their grandma’s and spends the day watching all the football games and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He and his family eat in the afternoon. “My favorite food is always my mom’s pumpkin pie she makes. It’s delicious,” he said. He enjoys getting to see all his family and doing all the activities that come along with Thanksgiving.

Aidan Seymour (sophomore)

Seymour is staying here this Thanksgiving and is having family from out of town come here. Every year, Seymour said he does the Turkey Trot at English Landing Park. He runs the 5K with a turkey hat on, and he is glad to participate in it this year since he couldn’t last year. “Every year we have a competition with my family to see who can gobble like a turkey the best,” Seymour said. His family has a pretty traditional Thanksgiving and arranges tables in the living room.

Let’s Talk About Thanksgiving South shared how they are returning to Thanksgiving

by MEGAN DIBERNARDO

Somer Stuhlsatz (math)

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When it comes to Thanksgiving for the Stuhlsatz family, it is a lazy day. Stuhlsatz said she is going to her brother and sister in law’s house. Her mom, dad and grandma will be meeting her there. She loves getting to sleep in and have a lazy lounge day on Thanksgiving. Of course, there is food involved in Thanksgiving. “I am not a cook myself,” she said. “I usually help my husband prepare some side dishes.” She also requests a ham instead of a turkey. If the weather allows, she and her family will eat outside.

Find all three turkeys throughout the paper for a prize at C200!

Zoe Skram (junior)

Due to COVID risks last year, the Skram family’s plans got cancelled. This year they will get to continue their tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving with her family. “We usually switch off whose house we go to each year. I am excited to see them this year since last year got cancelled, “ Skram said. This year, Skram and her family are going to Pittsburgh, where her family lives. Having a big family can make it hard to find enough space for the gathering, so her family rents out the basement of the church in order to hold everyone.

Isabel DiBernardo (senior)

Like many others on Thanksgiving, DiBernardo will be spending it with her family. “I love Thanksgiving because my cousins and I get to have fun, then there is always good food cooked when we get to the table,” she said. Getting a break from the stress and hustle of school, DiBernardo looks forward to taking a nap on Thanksgiving afternoon and just having an easy day. Her family always has a fun and entertaining conversation going on at the table and she said she enjoys being a part of it.

Turkey Day -Americans eat nearly 704 million pounds of turkey every year -The first Thanksgiving lasted three days -Before 1997, there were no size regulations for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons -More people travel to Orlando, Fla. more than anywhere else -Thanksgiving is the most popular day for races -More than four-fifths of Americans prefer the leftovers -The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers -The first Macy’s Day Parade had Central Park zoo animals -”Jingle Bells” was originally a Thanksgiving song -Minnesota raises the most Turkeys Source: BEST LIFE

F U N F A C T S

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A P a rk H ill S o u th e n te rp u n e u e r h a s c re a te d a th riv in g b u s in e s s o ff s e llin g s h o e s by SAM CHASE Have you ever had a hobby that could turn into a meet with his customers. He also travels the country full-time business? going to meet-ups to buy and sell more shoes. He also Well, Trentyn Gilges, senior, has done just that. ships all over the country. He started his own business “KcMo Solez” buying and “The craziest place I have shipped a pair of shoes reselling shoes. would have to be Beverly Hills, Calif. or Ontario, Gilges said he first got his passion for shoes when Canada. I have also shipped to a U.S. Military Base,” he was 15 and wanted to get a $150 pair of shoes but said Gilges. he couldn’t afford them and his parents refused to buy Obviously, Gilges has an interest in shoes and his them, so he got a own collection of 18 pairs helps show “I sold the Off White Jordan 1 job at McDonald’s it. He has sold lots of shoes over the to save up money ‘Euro Exclusive’ for $4,350.” time of running his business but he to buy the shoes. said his most expensive pair were Gilges said, “I wore them about 2-3 times and Off White Jordan 1 “Euro Exclusives” which he sold decided to sell them. I sold them for $20 over retail for $4,350. and thought to myself that I could make this a He has a variety of all types of shoes in all sizes. profitable business if I’m consistent and work hard.” Search for KcMo Solez on Instagram and get yourself So for the next few months, he kept working at a new pair of shoes or just check out all the shoes he McDonald’s to save up money and kept working to has for sale. buy more shoes. Along the way, he would buy new shoes, wear them two or three times and resell them, making a profit. “I worked a few more weeks at my job to earn some extra money to support my business and I quit. From there I put a majority of my time into sourcing shoes and cleaning them to maximize my profit,” Gilges said. Gilges does all of his own shipping to ensure all his customer’s packages arrive safely or he will personally pairs of shoes bought pairs of shoes sold

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photos courtesy of Trentyn Gilges

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