May 2020: The Senior Issue

PLAY By students. For all.

FOR FIRSTS · FOR STATE TITLES · FOR PASSING MIDTERMS · FOR SNOW DAYS FOR GOOD HEALTH · FOR LASTS

We’ve remained hopeful

FOR SENIOR SEASONS · FOR A SENIOR PROM · FOR A GRADUATION · FOR NORMALCY · FOR A PROPER GOODBYE FOR THE FUTURE · FOR EACH OTHER PLANS PAGE 6

SENIOR COLUMNS PAGE 10

MEMORIES PAGE 16

THE

SENIOR ISSUE

Through it all, the Class of 2020 has exhibited hope

Maize High School | 11600 W 45th St N | Maize, KS 67101 | maizenews.com | Vol. 13 Issue 5 | May 2020

Grady Awards 120 seniors vote for annual class superlatives

Most likely to compete in the Olympics Devin Gomez Most likely to become president Aenya Richards Most likely to write a best-selling novel Londen Peebler Most likely to be on Saturday Night Live David Ingram Most likely to be a kid forever Braeden Thompson Most likely to become a high school teacher Rayne Rekoske Most likely to be on Broadway Brayden Worden Most likely to win the Nobel Peace Prize Aenya Richards Most likely to become a billionaire Jason Lin Cutest couple Nayeli Reveles and Marco Ibarra Best of friends Tanner Carter and Duwayne Villalpando

Most stylish Abby McCoy Most artistic Kaia James Best hair (girl) Kylee Delmar Best hair (boy) Jarod Jackson

Most successful Jason Lin Oldest soul Chloe Eddins Most unique Mea Ames Biggest glo-up Josh McLaughlin Most addicted to TikTok Preven Christon Biggest nerd Thomas Dayley

Biggest flirt Andrew Hanlin

Most likely to be on American Ninja Warrior Avery Stillwell

Best leader Isabelle Elmore

Social butterfly Hanna Wray

Best smile Preven Christon Class clown Phong Nguyen Best dancer Halee Harpenau Most likely to win the lottery Foster Stallbaumer Most likely to win an Oscar Brayden Worden Most likely to win a Grammy Londen Peebler Class mom Makenzie Owings Biggest morning person Lauren Fuhrman Most involved Abby McCoy

Biggest gamer Raequan Benford Most likely to become Instagram famous Kylee Delmar Most likely to start a podcast Casey Loving Most likely to become a doctor Kristin Woodruff Pop culture guru Kasidie Pope Biggest coffee addict Sam Bartlett Most likely to start their own business Sam Bartlett Most likely to be on TV Caden Cox

STAFF

Reporters Morgan Beham Miccella Chenoweth Damiana Eklund Photo editor Abigail Grantham Sam Bartlett Sascha Harvey Madi Hay Social media editor Preston Hunt Abby Turner Carter Jones Keira McGinty Sports editor Londen Peebler Brooklyn Blasdel Teagan Redinger

ONTENTS

This issue is composed of 92 responses to our senior survey.

Editors-in-chief Abby McCoy Casey Loving

06 08 10 14 16 18

Rayne Rekoske Lily Robison Janeth Saenz Peyton Samek Kyerra Snyder Ellie Stucky Adviser Dan Loving

PLANS QUOTES SENIOR COLUMNS TEACHER SHOUTOUTS MEMORIES

ADVICE Play is the official newsmagazine for and by Maize High School students. Play is published six times throughout the year. Play is a student publication and a forum for public opinion. The editorials and columns are the sole opinion of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USD 266 Board of Education, the administration, the faculty or the adviser.

Cover design by Abby McCoy and Sam Bartlett Š Copyright 2020 Play Newsmagazine

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS O F 20 20 WE DID IT!

W

A letter from the editors

e would like to address the circumstances in which this senior issue was constructed. As we are currently finishing it out, we are amid a shutdown of all Kansas schools for the remainder of the 20192020 school year beginning during spring break due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This issue was constructed in its entirety through online communication without our staff members meeting in person, as all classes were completed this year.

This is not how our seniors envisioned their last issue—or the end of their last year at Maize—to play out.

As it stands today, senior events such as prom and graduation remain up in the air. A tentative graduation date has been set for later this summer, but it seems more and more that said graduation may be unattainable for safety reasons. If the date is met, it is highly likely that intense restrictions will be placed to ensure the safety of students and families, making a ceremony in the style we’ve come to know unlikely.

As such, we have decided to mostly distribute this issue digitally rather than print it as we usually do, as a normal distribution is not financially or logistically feasible.

That being said, our staff has made the decision to focus exclusively on the senior class of 2020 in this senior issue, avoiding COVID-19 content in the magazine. We recognize the immense sadness and loss we are each facing in our own ways, and rather than focusing on the negative in our final issue, we strived to hone in on the good that was already present in our high school experience. This is one senior last we will not let the virus take away.

We would like to thank our advertisers, students and staff who have helped us create this issue as well as every other Play newsmag. Our hearts go out to those who have had a friend or relative whose health has been directly affected by COVID-19.

Thank you for trusting us as your source of Maize news these past four years.

Your co-editors-in-chief, Casey Loving and Abby McCoy

06 PLANS

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Future Plans

Seniors make post- high school plans

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Kansas Air National Guard Kelsey Day Barton Community College Carson Wheeler Butler County Community College Braden Chavez Kylee Delmar Kayley Nelson Riley Quiggle Sofia Roszel Miranda Smith Braden Stamper Aysha Williams Brigham Young University - Idaho Conner Marshall Brigham Young University Britton Beggs Colorado State University Taylor Dettmer Emporia State University McKensy Glass Josh McLaughlin Friends University Faven Simmons Hutchinson Community College Lauren Fuhrman Carley Heim Adondre O’Neal Jonathan Shawver

Johnson County Community College Alexander Pham

Missouri State University Casey Loving

University of Kansas Sophia Buzard Abby McCoy Bailey Pendergrass Aria Sheldon Ashley Valdez

Missouri Western State University Andrew Hanlin

Kansas City Art Institute Chloe Eddins

University of Oklahoma Brayden Worden

Kansas City Kansas Community College Caleb Hicks

Oklahoma City University Preston Hunt

Kansas State University Sam Bartlett Miccella Chenoweth Morgan Cloutier Corrin Conway Joscelyne Espinoza Audrey Farrell Kaia James Rayne Rekoske Elijah Santiago India Sebastian Anna Walker

Oklahoma State University Taylor Wolgast

Michigan State University Alicen Grindstaff

Neosho County Community College Junior Camacho

Pittsburg State University Halee Harpenau Alyssa Miller University of Saint Mary Kelsey Taylor Trevecca Nazarene University Abby Turner United States Navy Madelyn Mies

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PLANS

University of Tulsa Bethany Tschosik Utah State University Abby Barnard Wichita State University Mea Ames Colby Boschert Caleb Dillon Lauren Doan Marta Guzman Kevin Hale Jarod Jackson Emma Lippert Michael Nguyen Makenzie Owings Aynsley Paterson Londen Peebler Morgan Plume Denae Sawyer Emily Scott Shannon Simpson Tannyr Singleterry Kyerra Snyder Paige Suter Sydnie Winter Brandon Woodruff

08 QUOTES

Senior Quotes

Seniors share quotes that have impacted them

Mea Ames “I know things look bleak, but even the word ‘hopeless’ has hope in it.” Will Stamper

Abby Barnard “If you want to give light to others, you have to glow yourself.” Thomas S. Monson

Sam Bartlett

“There are two ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.”

Booker T. Washington

Madison Beemiller

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

Dr. Seuss

Britton Beggs ““The most important step a man can take is the next one.” Brandon Sanderson

2

Colby Boschert

“Life’s a game made for everyone, and love is the prize.” Avicii

Jaida Butler

“The pain you’ve been feeling cannot compare to the joy that is coming.” Romans 8:18

Sophia Buzard

“The most wasted of days is one without laughter.” E. E. Cummings

Braden Chavez

“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” LeBron James

Miccella Chenoweth

“You are not the opinion of someone who doesn’t know you. You are a product of the lessons you have learned.” Taylor Swift

Basile Chevrel “Believe you can and you’re half way there.”

Throdore Roosevelt

Morgan Cloutier “The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” Rafiki

Corrin Conway “Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, ‘Would an idiot do that?’ and if they would, I do not do that thing.” Dwight Schrute

Kylee Delmar

“She believed she could, so she did.”

R.S. Grey

Taylor Dettmer “There is beauty in the courage of the fragile fighter. Those that persevere, despite all they’ve been through. Those who still believe there is good in the world. As dark things, we often find we need that light the most.”

Klaus Mikaelson

Caleb Dillon

“I can accept failure. I can’t accept not trying.” Michael Jordan

Chloe Eddins

“Love what you do and do what you love.

Don’t listen to anyone else who tells you not to do it. You do what you want, what you love.

Imagination should be the center of your life.”

Ray Bradbury

McKensy Glass

“Honor your calling. Everybody has one. Trust your heart and success will come to you.”

Oprah Winfrey

Marta Guzman

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

Oprah Winfrey

Andrew Hanlin

“If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.” Deion Sanders

Halee Harpenau

“Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved.” Winnie the Pooh

Carley Heim

“There’s no reason to hold yourself back and say you can’t do something in life unless you go for it and try to do it.” Russell Westbrook

Taya Howard

“Pursue the truth. Learn something new.

Accept yourself and you’ll accept others too.

Let love shine. Let pride be your guide. You change the world when you change your mind.” “Kinky Boots” The musical

Preston Hunt

“How far that little candle throws his beams!

So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

William Shakespeare

Jarod Jackson

“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” Andy Bernard

Kaia James

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“Dullness is a disease.” Freddie Mercury

Creighton Kelley

“Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”

Julian Edelman

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QUOTES Emma Lippert

“Transformation doesn’t ask that you stop being you. It demands that you find a way back to the authenticity and strength that’s already inside you. You only have to bloom.”

Cheryl Strayed

Casey Loving

“The greatest teacher, failure is. Luke, we are what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all masters.” Master Yoda

Kylie Luethje

“Words have power. TV has power. My pen has power.” Shonda Rhimes

Connor Marshall

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

Dr. Seuss

Abby McCoy

“A word after a word after a word is power.”

Margaret Atwood

Elizabeth Metcalf

“You, yourself, as much as anyone in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

Buddha

Kayley Nelson “Try again, fail again, fail better.”

Samuel Beckett

Devon Nicholson

“Persistence can change failure into an extraordinary achievement.” Matt Biondi

Adondre O’Neal

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Wayne Gretzky

Riley Quiggle

“You gotta risk it to get the biscuit.”

Shawn Colfax

Anna Reimer

“It’s never too early for ice cream.”

Michael Scott

Aenya Richards

Sofia Roszel

“Not all who wander are lost.” J. R. R. Tolkien

Janeth Saenz

“The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become—because He made us. He invented us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be.” C.S. Lewis

“Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weakness, but to discover our strength.”

F. R. Rishabh

“La acción es la clave fundamental para todo éxito.” Pablo Picasso

Elijah Santiago

“Yesterday’s history. Tomorrow’s a mystery. So live for today.” Carol Shelby

Emily Scott

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

The Lorax

Jonathan Shawver

“Real strength has to do with helping others.”

Mr. Rogers

Aria Sheldon

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” J. R. R. Tolkien

Faven Simmons

Londen Peebler

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Edwin Rolfe

“Your best is all you can do, and that is enough.” Pamela Paterson

“Being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared.

Being brave means you are scared, really scared, badly scared, and you do the right thing anyway.” Neil Gaiman

Alexander Pham

“In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It Goes On.” Robert Frost

Paige Suter

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss

Aynsley Paterson

Makenzie Owings

Kyerra Snyder

“Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” Martin Luther King Jr.

“I am ready to face any challenge that might be foolish enough to face me.”

Dwight Schrute

“The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome.

The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give.”

William Arthur Ward

“Quality is not an act, it is a habit.” Aristotle

Miranda Smith

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Walt Disney

Shannon Simpson

Tannyr Singleterry

“If you put one drop into the bucket of change, that won’t make much of a difference. But if you inspire other people to put a drop in as well, the bucket will eventually become full.” Stan Bergkamp

Kelsey Taylor Abby Turner

Christian Vilmain

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“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Winston Churchill

Anna Walker

“If you’re going through hell, keep on going.

Don’t slow down, if you’re scared, don’t show it. You might get out before the devil even knows you’re there.” Rodney Atkins

Aysha Williams “Just do it.” Nike

Brett Williams

“Life’s too short, make the most of it.”

Thomas Cassell

Sydnie Winter

“Gratitude is the key to happiness.”

Dennis Prager

Taylor Wolgast

“Shade never made anybody less gay.”

Taylor Swift

Brandon Woodruff

“What’s comin’ will come, and we’ll meet it when it does.” Hagrid

Brayden Worden

“Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.”

Leonard Bernstein

10 COLUMNS

Senior Columns Play newsmagazine seniors reflect on their high school experiences

Column by Casey Loving You know, graduating high school is a lot like “Avengers: Endgame.” We walk into high school a bit worried for this big battle before us, then we chop off freshman year’s head like the Avengers killing Thanos, and we think “Huh. That was pretty easy.” Then we cut to a few years later.

Everything is dark. We’re all depressed.

The past few years have kicked our butts.

Some of us have edgy new haircuts and tattoos. Some of us can only force ourselves to eat a PB&J as we struggle to get our work done. Some of us try to stay optimistic as a single tear rolls down our cheek. We’re a mess.

So what do we do? We play back the greatest hits. Our senior year is full of us going back in time and showing off our greatest moments in hopes of saving the future, gathering the infinity stones of

our achievements to snap ourselves some scholarships.

Then we get to our final battle. Here, we are all Captain America holding Mjölnir.

We’re told that we’re all worthy for what comes next, but it seems daunting facing the army of life before us seemingly alone.

But much like Cap, we’re not alone. All it takes is for us to turn around, to look to the past at all of the people who have influenced us, whose lives we have changed, and realize that they’re only ever just a portal away.

There is no post-credits scene this time.

For the first time, we don’t really know what comes next. But we can all stand confident in knowing that we made it this far. We’ve won the biggest battles we’ve faced so far. No matter what happens next, we can rest easy knowing there will always be someone on our left. n

Column by Abby McCoy Like most kids, I grew up watching Disney Channel. My earliest expectations of high school were established by High School Musical and Lemonade Mouth. My brother and I used to “play high school” around the house, dressing like teenagers and carrying a cumbersome stack of books in our noodle arms, just to fantasize about our future.

While Disney Channel is iconic (I admittedly have binged Hannah Montana in recent months), I now realize no idealized version of high school on screen could have ever prepared me for the real deal.

The real deal wasn’t perfect. It was often messy, a little topsy-turvy and unpredictable, but I think that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Among the trials and tribulations were some of the best days of my life.

And now that I have a high school experience of my own, I can finally attest: The real life version of high school is better

than the Disney Channel version. I said it.

Take that, Hannah Montana.

I’ve always believed that Maize is the best high school on the planet. But there’s something about it that makes it “the best:” You are truly equipped to be the best version of yourself within the walls of Maize.

However, I wholeheartedly know this wouldn’t be possible without the kindness, love and support of the students and staff, who are the very core of our school. You can be whoever you want to be and dream as big as you want to dream, and there will be people in your corner. 100%, guaranteed. At Maize, everyone feels loved, and therefore, we all do our part to make it the best it can be.

In my own way, I’ve created my own Disney Channel Original Movie these four years of high school. One of the greatest of all time, the kind you go back and watch when you are older, and force your kids watch, too. n

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COLUMNS Column by Abby Turner High School isn’t the best time of your life or where you become who you are supposed to be, like many people say it is. Rather, high school is where a seed is planted that helps blossom you into who you will become and continue to become.

When I think about my journey through life, I think of how many seeds were planted in each place I have gone to help me become who I am, and I know as I continue on this crazy path of life that God has set out for me, I know more seeds will continue to be planted, growing and evolving me into the person God has intended me to be each and every day.

My time at Maize High was filled with many memories, both good and bad, some really hard moments, experiences and people I will never forget and much

more that I don’t have the word count to talk about. The past four4 years definitely weren’t easy for me, I faced some of the most challenging points in my life, but it all led me to where I am today.

As I sit here today, leaving Maize High I am reminded of how much I learned, yes academically, but more so what I learned about myself and the woman that I have grown into. My faith in Christ has been a major part of what has taken me to where I am today. Through all that I have experienced at Maize, High I know it has all been a part of God’s plan for my life.

Thank you, Maize High, for being a seed in my life., I can’t wait to see where my next seed in Nashville takes me as I and continues to grow me into the woman who that God has intended me to be. Here is to my past, always an Eagle, but also to my future that I can’t wait to explore. n

Column by Kyerra Snyder I remember walking through those old blue doors for the first like it was yesterday. It was one of the worst days ever. Coming from Maize South Middle, most of my friends had ended up going to Maize South High, leaving me to start over at a new school.

On that first day, I felt like I had no friends at all. I was trying to navigate through this new school with nobody’s help. On top of that I had to get on a stinky, hot, loud bus after.

After this day, all I wanted to do was be alone and never come back. But as all things go, time went on and I became used to how things were at Maize. I made new friends, I got good grades and entered that repetitive school cycle. Things didn’t seem so intimidating anymore, and school became school.

While I can’t say I didn’t have those ups and down, I can say that high school

wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be when I walked through those old blue doors.

It is amazing the growth I have had since entering Maize for the first time.

You might not think that you’re changing because the changes are subtle and are almost unnoticeable, but trust me you are.

People always told me growing up that you need to experience everything in order to grow. I have found that to not be true. All you need to do is explore ideas, be conscious of everything around you and make your own opinions.

Along with that, being independent is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Think for yourself and never give in to those around you for the sake of fitting in. Fitting in has always been overrated, anyway.

In all, thank you, Maize for giving me all the opportunities that helped me grow. n

Column by Janeth Saenz Coming back from spring break, I never got the chance to see the faces of my friends, classmates, and teachers. I consumed days inside my room wondering when things would go back to normal.

Thinking of a day when I wouldn’t have to stare at my classmates’ faces through a screen. My foot didn’t step outside until a little thought in the back of my head said “Hey, let’s get out there! Get up from that bed! Whatever it is, just do it!” I looked at a list of things I wanted but never bothered to buy.

Two days later I purchased a pair of peach Moxi Roller Skates with glittery purple wheels. I’ve always known how to skate, but what I didn’t grasp was how to

flip, jump, perform a rapid turn or even skate backward. When good weather struck, I would spend my day skating outside. Then go back inside when the sun would tuck its head under the horizon.

Skating is like high school. You know how to go forward but what happens when you run into those jumps, flips, turns and even a full 360? You fail, you move on and continue to try until you succeed. I, however, look at the bruises on my knees just like I look at my gallery with the countless captures of my friends sitting in class. Ultimately, I’m indebted that Maize gave me those bruises on my knees. I’m presently an experienced rider ready for more twists and turns. n

12 COLUMNS

GOO SE N IOR S

Column by Rayne Rekoske Beginning high school was a dream for me. Middle school was rough but I feel like it was for everyone. High school was like getting a fresh start and being able to find yourself. I was excited for the next four years because they were going to be the best years of my life, as I was told. I had heard all of the fun things you get to do in high school, and I had seen it all in the movies. But the thing is, high school wasn’t quite what I imagined it to be like.

I thought it would be just like my favorite movie, High School Musical, where you break out into song whenever you’re excited or sad. That was not the case at all. Walking in that first day, I was nervous because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. But I learned to find myself and who I wanted to be. That didn’t come until about halfway through junior year though.

Junior year was definitely the hardest year of high school for me. I was taking

harder classes and balancing a job in the mix. There were a lot of things I was going through personally as well, but I had the best support system from my friends to help. I’ve had the same best friends all of high school, and I’m so grateful for them and how much we’ve all grown.

Now that it’s the end of senior year, I’ve come to realize that high school really was the best years of my life. All the football games, Homecomings, choir concerts, spirit days, and drama productions made high school amazing. Even the restless nights of studying, stressful homework, and tears are worth the diploma at the end. I can’t thank Maize High enough for giving me the greatest gift of meeting my best friends and making memories that I will remember forever.

If you’re reading this, thank you. Thank you to everyone in the class of 2020, to my family, and to all the teachers and faculty. You all are what made my high school experience one to remember. n

Column by Londen Peebler I honestly still feel like a freshman.

Yet, I also feel like I’m also approximately 30 years of age, somehow. These past four years have been the best and worst of my life, and I realized (while sitting at home with all the time in the world on my hands) that within these awkward, trial-and-error years, I grew into myself and my beliefs without even realizing it.

The realization actually happened while I was working on a choir project and stumbled across the song “Afraid of Everything” by Milo Greene. Before I transferred schools, I really was afraid of everything unfamiliar and unplanned, and it held me back from taking risks and discovering parts of myself that I hadn’t yet.

I had no idea who I was, to be completely open. I was on the dance team and had some friends, and yet I felt completely

empty. I said what others said and, if I didn’t agree, I would just keep my mouth shut because I didn’t feel capable of making a difference. I dressed like everyone else and slathered makeup on my face to cover any acne I had, and that was that. I lost my love for so many things because I abused them to fit in.

When I transferred I found friends who love and support me no matter what, teachers who believe in me, and, most importantly, myself.

Now I speak up for what I believe in, wear makeup because it’s fun and I feel good with and without it, and I dress however I please because I’m no longer afraid of myself. Of the world. Of everything., and I’ve never loved who I am more.

Things may be scary sometimes, but being brave doesn’tdoesnt mean not being scared. It just means taking the risks anyway because they are worth it. n

DBYE STA F F ER S Column by Preston Hunt Many are probably familiar with the idiom “rose-colored glasses.” If you haven’t, here’s what it means in short: a person who wears rose- colored glasses is the optimist. They always see the glass half full. Now, this can be a positive or negative trait depending on the situation.

It could quite literally be as simple as seeing a glass half full or half empty, or something more complicated. In fact, one could even wear rose-colored glasses to protect themselves from feeling sadness or pain.

It’s no hidden fact that we didn’t get the senior year we wanted or expected.

I could even bet money a lot of you are feeling that sadness and pain, and you deserve to feel it. In the face of all this, I’m going to say something a little controversial: Don’t put on the rose-colored glasses. I know it sounds negative and unhelpful, but hear me out. Again, don’t put on the rose-colored glasses.

Blind optimism is a tricky thing. From

the outside, it sounds great: If you always see the “good side,” how could you ever be unhappy? The reality, however, lies in the fact that we have to experience sad moments to realize when we were happiest. I have no doubt that we seniors are going to remember these last few months of school for the rest of our life. But when I look back on this sad time, I hope to pair it with some of the happiest four years of my life. Every sad memory is paired with a happy one. Sure, there may be missed games, shows or ceremonies. But there’s also Friday Night Lights with friends, Homecoming and the school parade.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t be sad, nor am I saying you should practice blind optimism, but what I am saying is that we’ve had a lot of great times as Eagles, and we should be proud of and cherish those moments.

When I look back, I know I’ll remember the end of our senior year, but I’ll also remember all those moments that led up to it. n

Column by Miccella Chenoweth Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamed of using my words to inspire people. I’ve dreamed of being a rock star who wrote lyrics that could cut glass. Every chance I get to therapize my friends, I take it. I just want my words to help someone in some way.

Specifically, I’ve thought a lot about what I would say if I was a speaker at our graduation. It’s not necessarily something I’d actually want to do, but I’ve tossed around the idea before.

It usually runs along these lines: High school has been very hard for me. Freshman year, I felt lost and out of place.

Sophomore year, I was the most depressed I’ve ever been. I even failed Eenglish, which is my best subject. I started bouncing back junior year, but then crashed again right before senior year. I persevered. Blah blah blah.

Then I realize: I’m making this all about me. I have a bad habit of making things all about me. This is one thing I truly cannot make all about me, because, if there’s one thing I learned from High School Musical, it’s that we really are all in this together.

Yeah, high school was hard for me, but I’ve never been alone. I couldn’t have made it through without my friends making me laugh when I just wanted to

13

COLUMNS

disappear. I couldn’t have made it without the people who never could figure out how to say my name right. I couldn’t have made it without all the girls I don’t know complimenting my outfits randomly.

So, for once, this isn’t about me. This is about you. It’s about us. It’s about all that we’ve gone through together without even fully knowing each other. This is a thank you.

Despite all the trials and tribulations, the mornings when I didn’t want to leave my bed, all of the times I’ve said “I hate school,” the failed classes and heartbreaks …... I wouldn’t trade the last four years for anything. n

14 SHOUTOUTS

Staff Shoutouts

Seniors thank staff for their positive impact Doris Prater

When I first came to Maize High after my sophomore year, I felt really lost and nervous because it was all so new. Mrs. Prater’s class just felt like home immediately and I knew I could trust her and learn from her fully. She is an incredible teacher and she takes interest and believes in each and every student she teaches.

Londen Peebler

Jessica Fisher

I’ve never been very good at reading social cues, and I frequently offend or upset someone because of it. Mrs. Fisher has taught me these past two years how to handle some social cues, and I’ve gotten along with people much better since then.

Mea Ames

Amanda Gosch

I have had Ms. Gosch freshman through senior year, and she has always encouraged me to do what makes me happy. She is someone that I trust and know that I could go to if I needed someone to talk to.

Madelyn Mies

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Robert Archibald

With the health science classes and opportunities that he has shared with students that I have taken advantage of, I now have a clear view of what I wish to have in my future with the medical field. He brings excitement and encouragement to the classroom along with extensive knowledge! He is an all-around great teacher and person!

Ashley Valdez

Stan Bergkamp

Mr. Bergkamp thinks of all of his students and coworkers as family.

He is so compassionate and is willing to help in any way he can.

Kyerra Snyder

Jessica Schrum

I have never met a teacher more welcoming and understanding.

Being able to take her classes was one thing I truly loved about coming to school. She was always in a good mood and she kept it real with you. She is always there for you and if you are having an off day she picks up on it and wants to talk to you about it.

Alicen Grindstaff

James Espinoza

Mr. Espinoza is an awesome teacher who has helped me grow to be better in the career I’m working for.

Alyssa Miller

Kevin Frye

He is not only passionate about teaching English, but also educates students with lessons about our future lives within the world we live.

Mr. Frye has inspired me and embodies who I want to become.

McKensy Glass

Sandra Nitcher

Mrs. Nitcher has impacted me the most because she is an amazing teacher that is able to get everyone excited to learn no matter what and is always there to help her students.

Kayley Nelson

Ben Harlow

The way he teaches is unique compared to other teachers, and he was always there for me when I began to struggle with something or just needed a friend at times.

From giving each other high fives every morning, to him giving me water bottles every day, it’s the little things like these I’ll never forget about Maize High.

Brett Williams

Curtis Shephard

Mr. Shephard helped me gain the confidence to be myself by creating an environment where everyone feels accepted and like they belong.

Taylor Wolgast

2 Cara Poole

She has done nothing but help and support me through anything and everything. I see her like family. She cares about every student she has and has such a big heart for her students.

Madison Beemiller

Christine Borrego

I love the way she can create a comfortable atmosphere that lets me open up and talk about things. I love fangirling over books with her, and I love the feedback and notes she writes on our papers. I just really like her as a human being, and I feel comfortable talking to her outside of class about life in general.

Aynsley Paterson

Lindsay Slater

She has always been so kind and she has inspired me to be better.

Shannon Simpson

Brenda Stanton

He pushed me to be my best and taught me a lot about how to be a better person.

Junior Camacho

Jenny Meirowsky

She is an amazing teacher and coach, and she is an even better person!

Sophia Buzard

15

SHOUTOUTS

Elizabeth Mans

She’s a really cool teacher and gives really good life advice and she always looks out for her students.

Janeth Saenz

Anne Debes

Mrs. Debes has definitely impacted me the most. She was the first teacher to let me sit down and talk about things that I had going on in my personal life. She is always super understanding and will always listen.

Kevin Hale

Leigh Johnson

She has been there for me since freshman year, and I always know that I can go to her anytime I need help with anything. She always gives good advice and truly wants what is best for all of her students.

Aenya Richards

Emily Provencher

Ms. Provencher has impacted me the most. I always felt that I could turn to her for anything. It is very obvious that she truly cares about all of her students and loves her job more than anything. I was very grateful to have her as a geometry teacher, Flygirls coach and En-Cor teacher. I had the best high school years with her, and know that she will always be there for me in the future.

Halee Harpenau

Shelby Goss

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Ms. Goss has impacted me most because not only has she always been there to talk to or give advice, but she also helped me confidently realize and decide that I want to pursue a career in music by showing me that a young woman can be an amazing, respectable and purposeful director.

Audrey Farrell

Dan Loving

When I was a freshman, Dan taught me that high school shouldn’t be the best four years of my life. And if these four years weren’t the best of what’s to come, then the future is looking pretty bright. I adore his ambition to make each and every one of his students feel loved, supported and heard. Dan is the best adviser in journalism and in everyday life endeavors.

Abby McCoy

Sherry Pfeifer

I only had her for one semester senior year, but she was so welcoming to me and many other students. She showed me how to communicate in front of different people while talking about things I am passionate about. She was always there to talk to, whether it was about something that was bothering us in our personal lives or talking about the different kinds of fish she has in her fish tank. She will always have a huge impact on me and many others in the future.

Marta Guzman

16 MEMORIES

Memories

Seniors share their favorite memories from their time at Maize In 2019 when the boys basketball team was playing their last game in Emporia, not that many people came, so the band decided to be the student section and do student section things.

Colby Boschert Sophomore year was really hard for me for multiple reasons, but at Eaglepalooza, hanging out with my friends and everything... it just felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

Miccella Chenoweth

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My friends are my favorite memory. Every football game that we ditched to play Super Smash Bros., every choir concert, play and snow day; they were there with me.

Chloe Eddins My favorite memory at Maize High was serving the community on Sept. 11. I enjoyed spending the day with Maize Central Elementary students and visiting the school I attended.

McKensy Glass

Getting to run for homecoming queen with my best friend, Payton Chavez. I was not sure that I wanted to do it in the first place, but getting to spend time with Payton was so much fun. From getting to make posters to doing our homecoming skit, it was probably the best week I had my entire senior year.

Marta Guzman

When I was performing in “Into the Woods” on opening night my senior year, I remember I was on stage singing my character’s solo when I look to the left and see a bunch of the cast just standing in the wings, watching. I got offstage and my friend just silently gave me a hug. I cried.

Preston Hunt

One of my favorite Maize High memories was hearing Dr. Botts on the announcements every day with his morning puns and jokes.

Those were something I always looked forward to.

Halee Harpenau

My favorite Maize High memory was the whole entire production of “Macbeth.”

Everyone that had a part in that show helped me grow as a person and helped me develop skills, some I didn’t know I had.

Michael Nguyen

Although there are a lot of great memories, especially from my past four years of playing baseball, I think by far one of my favorites was going to state for baseball and watching one of my best friends, Adrian Perez, throw a nine-inning game against Heights in under 90 pitches.

Although we ended up losing the game, the incredible pitching performance was still fun to watch and a great memory to this day.

Caleb Hicks

My last bow at the end of “Into the Woods.” I never thought that I would be a part of something so magical. The work we put into the show and the dedication from everyone involved was amazing to see and just as we were ending it, I got to feel the relief of knowing we put on an incredible show.

Seeing all my cast mates take their bows and hearing the applause one last time is something I’ll never forget.

Morgan Cloutier

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MEMORIES

Definitely one of my favorite Maize High memories has to be one of my very first high school experiences. It was the very first home football game my freshman year and little did I know, I got introduced to the friend group that I would have for the next four years. I already knew some of them from having classes in middle school, some of them I hadn’t talked to once in my life. But we all hung out that night and already started making plans to go to Homecoming together. Throughout all of high school, they were there and we had each other.

Jarod Jackson One of my favorite memories was my sophomore year during homecoming week at Coachella. Cayd Barragan and I began to dance while a jazz band was playing and then a big dance circle began to form and then rest of the night it was just one big dance party.

Makenzie Owings Being able to share food with others who I felt needed some type of kindness to their day.

Joseph Troyer Every day my group of friends would sit down in the library in the morning and talk about their day.

Kelsey Taylor

I’d have to say my first time taking a solo to regional solo and ensemble festival. I got a 1 at both regional and state in my first year of playing french horn. My nana got to be my accompanist and I loved seeing the other band kids play at the spring fling.

Emma Lipert My favorite memory would have to be from marketing applications, where we ran a t-shirt business. On the last day of class we ate at Olive Garden with Mrs. Schrum and got ice cream from Dr. Botts. On the way back, there was a mannequin sale in New Market. We ran a t-shirt business, so obviously we had to get some. It was so funny seeing Mrs. Schrum, Carson and Kyle walk out with mannequins, then carrying them into school during lunch was even funnier.

Abby Turner Standing in the student section of a football game when it’s cold. My friends and I would bring blankets and hand warmers, then go to Freddy’s after the game and talk for hours while we ate burgers.

Janeth Saenz My freshman year London Market. I loved the live band and the weather was so nice.

There was a bunch of good food.

Aynsley Paterson

I’d say the fall choir show this past year since it was so much fun to put together.

The choir also got to perform matinees for the elementary schoolers in the district, and they always get super excited to see us perform.

Miranda Smith

Traveling to Indianapolis, Dallas, Chicago and Washington D.C. for the National High School Journalism Convention each year has made up some of my core high school memories. Thankfully, journalism has provided me with my best friends and traveling, learning and growing with them daily has meant the whole world to me.

Abby McCoy My favorite Maize High memory is directing and performing “Bohemian Rhapsody” with the American Sign Language Club my junior year.

Seeing the performance come together on stage was truly something else; however, the performance isn’t what I’ll remember. The incredible time I spent with my new family shopping together, crying from laughter and making all the inside jokes is what I’ll remember forever always. This experience is the most exhilarating I’ve had in high school.

Alexander Pham

18 ADVICE

Advice

Seniors provide underclassmen with advice Abby Barnard Preston Hunt Don’t ever stress too much. If things Get. Involved. It’s going to take up get too hard or stressful, just take a lot of your time outside of schoola break. It’s okay if you miss one work, but trust me, high school beassignment because you have too comes an amazing experience that much. Don’t miss what’s really im- you can share with amazing friends portant. The end of high school is you’ll meet through the arts, sports the start of a new life, so make sure or other clubs. you know how to calm down and manage the problems before it gets Alicen Grindstaff too much.

I can not stress this enough: ENJOY IT! Go out. Don’t stay at home, you Sophia Buzard will regret it. Take all the pictures Support the sports games. Get inand videos in the world. volved. Go to the plays and concerts because trust me, they are really Andrew Hanlin good--coming from a person that Respect lunch ladies and janitors. has no artistic abilities.

Jarod Jackson Caleb Hicks Obviously it’s a cliche, but it’s a cliAlways be generous and try to che because it’s true; enjoy this time brighten the day of people around while you have it. The time really you even if it takes making yourself does fly. High school is never going look dumb, or not being the most to be something I get to experience popular or having to go out of the ever again. Not the early mornings way to do it. or the late nights struggling to finish homework. All of that from this Casey Loving point on is just a memory. Live in the Always talk to the new kids. Some moment and make these four years of my best friends I’ve made in something that you are proud to look high school are transfer students back on. or underclassmen who walked into class not knowing anybody. At worst, Emma Lippert you’re giving somebody a friend You will grow so much mentally and when they probably need one. At emotionally these next four years, so best, they’re doing the same for you. take care of yourself first and don’t be afraid to ask for help and speak Janeth Saenz your mind. Treat other people with Try a class that you think you’d never kindness, if they don’t do the same. be good in. You might discover something new.

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Abby McCoy It’s true what they say about the little things: They really do matter. Stay after school in the parking lot for an hour on a warm day to catch up with your friends. Wake up early to bring a teacher coffee. Take more photos and videos than you ever think you’ll need. Make friends with as many people as you can. Be kind. At the end of the day, the little moments of joy are far more valuable in the long run than you could ever fathom.

Chloe Eddins Understand a school and life balance. Getting good grades and working hard towards your future is very important, but so are you. Life is hard enough as it is. Spend time with the people you love. You can focus on the future but also enjoy the present.

Emily Scott Just keep going. Things will be dramatic and hard, but eventually it gets better and you’ll find your way.

Sam Bartlett Chase your dreams and don’t care too much about what people think.

It is so easy to compare yourself to others, but I promise that there are friends for you in high school. It may just take some time to find them. You are you. Don’t let anyone take that away.

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Elizabeth Metcalf Always ask for help if you need it.

It’s been said throughout your entire life, but it’s so helpful and there really isn’t a reason not to.

Madelyn Mies Do not procrastinate. Just get your stuff done, it will make your life so much easier. Take the dual credit classes. They will save you so much time and money.

Kayley Nelson Start planning for college early because it takes a lot longer than you think. Work throughout the entirety of high school don’t just sweep freshman and sophomore year under a rug, actually try and really work to get good grades because they do matter.

Michael Nguyen Do as much as you can within reason. Apply for as many clubs as you can and do as many extracurricular things you can.

Aynsley Paterson Even if it’s terrifying, speak up in your classes. I always feel proud once I’ve shared my opinions or thoughts.

Shannon Simpson Always try your hardest, no matter what.

Jonathan Shawver Support every activity as if it was a football game.

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ADVICE

London Peebler Don’t blink. You may feel like your time at MHS is endless, but it’s not.

You may be tired of homework and waking up early, but one day you will wake up and wish you hadn’t taken it for granted. It will be gone before you know it. Cherish it, live in each moment, and be bold.

Rayne Rekoske Enjoy the time you have with your friends. Go support all areas of the school and get out to as many choir concerts, all sporting events, and Homecoming events that you can. Once it’s gone, you’ll have are those memories.

Aenya Richards Make the best out of high school and don’t take anything for granted. It really goes by fast, and it can be such a great experience if you want it to be.

Sofia Roszel Don’t tell yourself that you’ll finish your homework before school starts in the morning.. because it won’t happen.

Kyerra Snyder Always be logical; never give up on your dreams because anything is possible as long as you set your mind to it.

Sydnie Winter Build as many friendships as you can with teachers and administrators. One day you’ll look back and see how much influence they had.

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Abby Turner Remember that high school isn’t supposed to be the best time of your life. It won’t be. Make it as good as it can be, growing through all the good and bad moments that will happen.

Ashley Valdez Find your study method. whether it be flash cards, reading something over and over again, working out problems, etc. Once you find a study method that helps you succeed, you’re set.

Christian Vilmain Be smart with what classes you take while you’re in high school. The opportunities you have in Maize are extremely valuable.

Taylor Wolgast Be yourself. Don’t find yourself looking back years from now regretting that you didn’t try to make new friends or try out for a sports team or a play. It doesn’t matter if you fail at something or embarrass yourself, chances are that you’ll never see most of the people in your class after you graduate, so don’t hold yourself back because you’re afraid of what a few people will think.

Marta Guzman Be nice to everyone. By simply just being nice and having a conversation with someone, you could have such a positive impact on them.

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