October 2016

Play

Maize High School | October 2016

its not my fault

its not my fault

its not my faul t

“​ He got a year and I’m doing life even if I’m the victim.”

Now Playing PAGE 13-16

First-time voters are hitting the polls

PAGE 20

Junior Dalyn Johnson beats school record

PAGE 25

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G Sp ay S Ph ace trai ot po gh o b st t A y L ers lli ily in anc M cla e p cC ssr la lar oo ces en m Sa s. fe

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Tensions increase between presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as Election Day approaches.

Illustration by Emily Brecht

28,29

Sophomore Logan Voran sports one of the many faces of competition.

Photo by Ryan Jones

What’s inside? Who’s inside?

4 10,11 12-15

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19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26,27 28,29 30,31

News

KAY Club members volunteer time at retirement homes and hold Red Cross blood drive.

Spotlight

Play interviews Ruth Ott, who is believed to be the oldest living graduate of Maize.

Now Playing

Current and former Maize students reveal how being sexually assulted has changed their lives.

Column by Savie Hughes Hughes writes a letter to Stanford’s sexual assaulter, Brock Turner.

Review

“Luke Cage,” Marvel’s third Netflix series, is not nearly as strong as the previous two.

Opinion

Two seniors explain why they’re supporting Clinton, Trump.

Features

First-time voters express their thoughts and concerns on the upcoming election.

Editorial

The Play staff believes that staying informed is just as important as voting.

Spotlight

Play presses pause with Austyn Ritchie, who discusses travels and early graduation.

Sports

Despite her injuries, senior Jacey Handy will be back on the court this season.

Sports

Junior Dalyn Johnson breaks school record for touchdowns.

Lifestyle

Students discuss what it’s like to be a first-generation American.

Photo Focus

Play focuses on athletes’ facial expression during their fall sports competitions.

Photo Focus

Maize students help the community through various volunteer service projects.

Kendra Cunningham Editor-in-chief Savie Hughes Online editor Emily Brecht Design editor Lyndsey Piska Photo editor Lizzie Bell News editor Lily McClaren Engagements editor Bailey Birkholz Features editor Andrea Fuhrman Advertisement editor Sadie Ast Allie Choyce Alaina Cunningham Logan Dillon Kiara Ehrmann Ryan Jones Casey Loving Abby McCoy Lauryn McIntyre Maddie Neigenfind Lauryn Ogden Ryann Redinger Braeden Thompson Stormi Williams Paige Young Dan Loving Adviser Cover by Lyndsey Piska 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. Letters to the editor should be signed and around 300 words.

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.

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Raise your voice

Submit a letter to the editor for the next issue to room D18 or mhsnewsmag@gmail.com Printed by Sedalia Demorat.

© Copyright 2016 Play newsmagazine

KAY Club volunteers at a retirement home twice a month. Lauren Fuhrman and Abby Barnard played bingo with a few residents from Colwich Gardens retirement home. Photo by Lily McClaren

Today for tomorrow

KAY Club gives back to the school and community in various service projects “The KAY program helps promote positive school spirit, teaches students the importance of assuming their citizenship responsibility.”

– Cheryl Gleason, state director of KAY Club

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aize’s KAY Club will be one of 10 schools being honored for their services on Nov. 5.

Four students, KAY sponsor Dan Loving and principal Chris Botts will travel to Topeka for an honorary dinner with the state director of KAY, Cheryl Gleason, and others from around the state. This year marks the organization’s 70-year anniversary. Maize’s club is being recognized at the ceremony for 60 years of active service.

KAY, which stands for Kansas Association for Youth, was founded by teacher Wanda May Vinson in 1946 for students to participate in volunteer activities for the benefit of schools and the community. KAY is unique to Kansas; no other state has a program like it open to girls and boys in sixth through 12th grades.

Gleason, assistant executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, was once a member of KAY club.

“I was a member all four years

and served as the President and Vice President of the club,” Gleason said. “The KAY program helps promote positive school spirit, teaches students the importance of assuming their citizenship responsibility and provides students with many lifetime skills such as teamwork, leadership, responsibility, etc.”

Maize’s KAY does numerous service projects over the course of the year. Two new projects this year are volunteering at a retirement home and helping raise money to send war veterans to Washington D.C. Recently, members volunteered at Colwich Gardens Retirement Home by playing bingo with residents, picking pumpkins and tomatoes from the garden and doing various housekeeping chores around the building.

“I enjoy going to the nursing home because I like talking to [the residents] and learning a bit about them and to also lend a helping hand,” said sophomore Emily

McGinnis, one of the volunteers on the trip.

On Oct. 12, more than 20 volunteers took time out of their class schedules to participate in the KAY-organized Red Cross blood drive in the small gym. The goal set

by KAY club was to draw 35 units of blood, and they ended up with 37.

KAY also plans to team up with Honor Flight Network to raise money to send war veterans to the memorials in Washington D.C. KAY will place decorated trash cans around the school within the month of November where students can put empty cans for Honor Flight Network. Cans will be cashed in, and the money raised will go to help pay for the trips.

“It makes me feel good when I help other people,” said junior Andrea Fuhrman, KAY Club president. “They deserve it. They fought hard for our country and deserve to see the memorials.” n —Ryann Redinger

The cast poses at the end of the song “When You’re an Addams” during the final full rehearsal for “The Addams Family.” Photo by Casey Loving

Full disclosure

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‘The Addams Family’ musical makes its Maize debut

he school production of the musical version of the long running franchise “The Addams Family” went live Oct. 20-22.

“The Addams Family” saw students Keegan Johnston, Roo Rusk, Matt Neises, Mirta Santana-Morales, Laura Koerner and Cameron Casida take on the iconic roles of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma Addams, Wednesday and Lurch and included Maize Middle eighth-grader Ethan Fisher as Pugsley Addams.

The show expands the “Addams Family” mythology by adding the new family of Mal, Alice and Lucas Beineke, played in this production by John Patton, Megan Denton and Tommy Jacobson. “The Addams Family” musical also includes a number of students in supporting roles as the family’s ancestors.

The show was a production of the musical sequel to popular comic strip, television show and film franchise “The Addams Family.” The musical sees Wednesday Addams invite her boyfriend’s family, the Beinekes, to dinner at their home. Ashamed of her eccentric family, Wednesday asks her family to tone it down so the two families can just have “One Normal Night.” Suffice it to say, things don’t go according to Wednesday’s plans.

Members of the production said that a lot of time and effort had to go into preparing for show night. Sophomore Andrew Emanuel, an Addams ancestor, said that all of the timing involved with the show was

particularly hard.

“The past couple weeks we’ve been doing practices after school every day,” Emanuel said. “We’ve been doing this in some pretty short time, too, because we had the choir program, then we had this, then we’re gonna have the Christmas choir program, so it’s pretty packed.”

One could assume that it would be intimidating to fill the role of such classic and timeless characters as the Addamses. Senior Roo Rusk said she thought she had some pretty big shoes to fill playing Morticia, but she really enjoyed the experience.

“It’s an honor,” Rusk said. “It’s very fun discovering nuances in the role as I continue to learn it.”

Sophomore Keegan Johnston said playing Gomez was a bit of a challenge.

“I wasn’t familiar with the character, so it required a lot of research,” Johnston said.

“It was really interesting to research various character choices over the years from the classic television version to the Broadway versions. It was fun to take my own approach and spin on the character.”

Eighth-grader Ethan Fisher said he wasn’t intimidated by playing a part in a high school production.

“It’s really nice for them to take me under their wing,” Fisher said. “It’s just really cool to see how they act and get to be a part of high school before I’m even in it.”

Fisher said he got the role of Pugsley

through a recommendation from his choir teacher, and he plans to continue choir and drama in high school.

Johnston said that although it wasn’t perfect, he thought the crew put on a great show.

“A show is never perfect,” Johnston said.

“That’s what makes it great. The whole cast and crew feeds off the minute changes and makes it a slightly different show every night. Nothing was perfect, but we improved and grew every night.”

Several members of the cast shared their thoughts on why it is important to join a school play. Junior Dean Lang, an Addams ancestor, said that without play extras, the show simply couldn’t function.

“It may not seem like you’re important,” Lang said. “But without the ancestors, the show would not be able to happen. We wouldn’t have vocals, so do it, it’s fun.”

Johnston said he really wishes more people would give theater a try and join the school productions.

“We have so much fun,” Johnston said.

“The bonding you get from creating a show from the words on a page is incredible.”

Rusk said she also thinks joining school plays is one of the best things you can do at Maize.

“Not only is it [school play] not as scary as it seems, but it is the most rewarding experience I’ve found in high school,” Rusk said. n — Casey Loving

News / 5

Students relieve stress by petting Indi during her walk. Indi is the newest addition to the counseling department. Photo by Maddie Neigenfind

Calming Canine

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Maize counselor introduces new therapy dog

aize has a new therapist walking around campus with four legs and a wagging tail.

“There are certainly other benefits of having a therapy dog as well,” counselor Geri Hickerson said. “Having students that will maybe socially interact with a dog as where maybe they wouldn’t interact with another person. Better self esteem and reduced violence too.”

Hickerson is the primary owner of the dog, Indi, who is a year-old lab. Hickerson started Indi’s therapy dog training in April through a club located in Valley Center. Indi had to do 14 weeks of training as well as a therapy dog course before she could take

two certification tests. After Indi passed her certification tests, Hickerson had to send off for Indi’s new therapy license. With the new license, Indi’s final step was to become certificated to be in the building.

“I didn’t think she’d pass,” Hickerson said.

“Because sometimes she just does what she wants to do and be stubborn. She had to do it without treats, but she made it. I was pleasantly surprised.

By bringing a therapy dog in, Maize hopes the levels of stress and anxiety most students feel from day to day will decrease. Fifteen million people struggle with social anxiety, typically beginning around the age of 13, according to the Anxiety and Depression

Association of America. On top of that, 36 percent of people with Social Anxiety Disorder report having symptoms for 10 or more years before speaking up and getting help.

Only being a year old, Indi hasn’t let go of her puppy ways just quite yet, but she’s beginning to learn the big role a therapy dog must play. Hickerson said Indi loves to play and be social whenever she can, but can handle being calm and very still when the job calls.

“She can be pretty ornery,” Hickerson said. “But she’s very sweet; she’s very nice to people and other dogs.” n — Maddie Neigenfind

LGBT community safe in classrooms

GSA places Safe Space posters in classrooms to ensure all Maize students have equal opportunities

G

ay Straight Alliance is making an effort to give every student, no matter what their sexuality is, equality in the classrooms.

Members of GSA decided to put up “Safe Space” posters in every classroom to signal to others that it is a safe place for everyone not just for GSA students.

“I’ve seen a lot of hate at Maize, like bullying and stuff to the gay community and then we had stuff like the Orlando shooting,” junior and president of GSA McKenzie Vaughn said. “I feel like it’s become essential for the LGBT community at Maize to know which classes they can be themselves in regardless of whether they are transgender or gay or whatever their sexual orientation is or gender identity.”

The posters are found in classrooms of teachers chosen by the GSA board members. They are working on spreading them throughout the school and to eventually have them in every classroom.

By having a Safe Space poster hung in their classroom, a teacher is signaling that students are allowed to be in that classroom without being judged and if anything were to happen, such as bullying, the teacher would take a stand on the situation.

“It’s also to promote that awareness to kids around Maize,” Vaughn said, “Some kids don’t even realize what the LGBT community goes Junior Cleona Guthrie-Craig represents the GSA Safe Space posters. through every day and it’s kind of to promote that awareness.” n The posters are found in chosen classrooms. Photo by Lily McClaren — Lily McClaren

6 / News

Courtesy photo

Maize grad appears in ‘Sully’ movie

Class of ‘73 alumnus Jane Gabbert takes part in popular movie

W

hen Jane Gabbert was in third grade at Vermillion Elementary School, she would gather her friends together to play “Wizard of Oz” on the playground.

After six weeks of practicing, she was invited to present their performance to the whole school.

She’s performing for a bigger audience these days. Gabbert, a 1973 Maize graduate, plays flight attendant Sheila Dail in the movie “Sully,” which stars Tom Hanks and was directed by Clint Eastwood.

“I really do believe it’s kind of in your bones from the time you come out of the egg,” Gabbert said of acting. “It just takes time to discover it.”

While at Maize, Gabbert was involved in many extracurricular activities that she said taught her teamwork is important. She took part in basketball, volleyball and theatre, and she was president of student council.

While Gabbert was in student council, they passed a dress code petition to allow students to wear jeans in school. While she was on the basketball team, they won the 1973 state championship.

“I shared that kind of team effort with anything,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be just basketball, it can be anything as long as you are working in a team and you are creating something together. The time when

you are in high school, you are too young to understand the impact of it until you get a little older and you see what skills you build from that … whether you are putting on a play or your singing in the chorus, you are helping to create some kind of new program, a new club at school, anything that creates teamwork and imagination.”

At Maize, Gabbert was in many plays, including “Up the Down Staircase” and “Blithe Spirit.”

Gabbert continued theatre at Wichita State University, performing in plays such as “As You Like It” and “The Real Inspector Hound.”

“I stayed pretty focused once I found that theatre department at Wichita State,” Gabbert said.

Gabbert said WSU prepared her for roles such as the one she plays in “Sully.” She, along with Joseph L. Hunter, vice president of the Development for the WSU Foundation, established the Richard Welsbacher Theatre Scholarship for theatrical majors.

She said she understands the high expenses of college and she wants to help fulfill the dreams of future actors and actresses.

Gabbert later went to Ohio University. She was on stage for a solid three years and got a Masters of Fine Arts in acting.

“Put your time in, do your work, get your education, and I really believe if you stay

focused and dedicated, things will fall into place,” Gabbert said. “I’ve supported myself as an actor in New York for 30 years, and I feel extremely grateful and fortunate for that because it’s not always that easy. It’s not. It’s a tough profession. There are no guarantees; it’s a freelance life. You never know where your next job is coming from.”

To keep a steady income, Gabbert has taught acting in a variety of places, such as Honolulu, Ohio University and Cornell University. She still teaches every other year at the Case Western Reserve University actor training program.

Gabbert said she was beyond thrilled when she landed the part in “Sully.”

She spent a week filming in the Hudson River in New York and then three weeks shooting in Los Angeles.

Gabbert said working with Eastwood, an Academy Award-winning director, was unbelievable.

“He is the most gentle soul,” she said. “And he is funny; he is smart. … he’s a cool dude.”

Gabbert said she also enjoyed working with Hanks, an Academy Award-winning actor.

“He is a great guy,” she said. “He is incredibly friendly; he is totally accessible, as is Clint Eastwood. They’re so comfortable in their skin and who they are.” n —Lily McClaren

News / 7

Upcoming events

November

Sunday

Monday

This calendar is a sample of events taking place over the next five weeks.

All times are in p.m.

Full listings can be found at usd266.com

6

7

13

14

Winter sports parent meeting

First day of winter sports practice

Tuesday

1

Flygirls at North High dance show @ 7

8

Election day

15

Wednesday Thursday

4

3

9

10

11

12

16

17

18

19

Orchestra Concert @7

Battle of the Squads Cheer show at Heights @7

ACT prep class @ 6:30-9

Last day to register for Dec. ACT

Friendship Club Dance @ 7-9

21

22

23 No school

24

25

27

28

29

30

1

2

Winter sports pictures

Need to act like you’re working in class?

Go to maizenews.com Follow us on Twitter @playnewsmag and like us on Facebook

5

Saturday

2

20

Boys basketball parent meeting

Friday

No school Thanksgiving

No school

Choir concert @ 7:30

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3

Choir concert @ 7:30

Maize falls victim to ‘creepy clown’ prank

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Three Maize South students get suspended as a result

hree Maize South students were suspended after pulling a “creepy clown” prank.

On Oct. 2, a student posted a photo to his Snapchat story of a clown holding an ax in front of Maize South High School. Three students have been identified as participants in the hoax.

A second photo also was released with a clown outside of Maize High. There was no knowledge on whether the picture was connected to the three students.

“The safety of Maize USD 266 students and employees is a top priority,” said Chad Higgins, superintendent of Maize Schools. “We are working closely with the Maize Police Department, which provides police services to our district, for added safety and security of our schools today. We

“The safety of Maize USD 266 students and employees is a top priority.”

Chad Higgins, Maize superintendent

already have identified three Maize USD 266 students who were part of the prank photo.

We continue to actively investigate the situation and will deal with it appropriately.”

Higgins said that if a parent or student ever sees a threat posted to social media or

elsewhere that makes them question the safety of our schools, they should report it immediately.

“If it is after school hours, they should report the threat to police,” Higgins said.

It is important not to leave a message with one of our schools or at Maize City Hall after hours and instead, report the perceived threat by calling 911.

This will give law enforcement the opportunity to begin an investigation immediately.

The “creepy clown” prank has become popular since a clown in South Carolina was reportedly luring children into the woods in August. Since then 28 states have reported threatening clown sightings, according to Heavy.com. n —Lauryn McIntyre

Casey’s General Store in Maize is permanently closing Casey’s General store is closing after 30 years of business

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asey’s General Store in Maize is closing at the end of October.

Store manager Holli, who wouldn’t give her last name, said business at the store has gotten slower over the years.

“Maybe it would help if we had a remodel, but it’s just not in the budget,” she said. “Corporate made the

decision to close the store.”

The store, which she said has been there for more than 30 years, will close Sunday, Oct. 30. A number of items in the store are discounted, most of them buy one, get one free.

The manger said Casey’s corporate is going to sell the store, but she said she didn’t have other details. n — Andrea Fuhrman

Follow us on Twitter @playnewsmag and like us on Facebook

Check out our website maizenews.com

Casey’s General Store is closing at the end of the month.

There is no information as to what will happen to the building.

The Alumni Feature Class of ‘37 grad Ruth Ott is believed to be the oldest living graduate of Maize

Ruth Ott holds up an old picture of herself in her basketball uniform from high school.

Ruth played sports until her early 90s.

Ruth Ott, front row third from the right, stands with her basketball team. Ott played basketball in high school. Photos by Maddie Neigenfind

Ruth Ott stands in her Maize home basketball jersey.

Ruth Ott, middle, holds her trophy from a free-throw contest.

Copy of Ruth Ott’s high school diploma. Ott graduated from Maize in 1937.

rom her endeavors on the basketball court, to her term as class president, to her family’s weekly square dances, Ruth Ott loved her time at Maize High.

Now, at 96 years old, she is believed to be the oldest living graduate of Maize.

Ott, who graduated in 1937. said that if there is one thing she enjoyed more than anything during high school, it was basketball.

All of her favorite memories from school seem to revolve around the sport. “[My favorite memory was] winning the free throw shooting contest,” Ott said. “Basketball was it!”

Ott said that practicing the sport was a real time commitment.

“My father would put a barrel on the door and I would shoot [at] it, and he’d get tired of fixing it,” Ott said. “We would play basketball and practice during our lunch hour.

There was no other way to do it.”

Although she didn’t go professional – there was no such thing as professional women’s basketball back then – Ott continued to play after high school.

“When the men were off to war, women’s basketball was the entertainment,” said Ott’s daughter, Ruth Feather. “People were clamoring.”

While a gap in entertainment needed to be filled, Ott and her team would chip in their gas coupons, take off work and go to Canada to play, but there was a catch. “‘We’ll do it on one condition,’” Ott would say. “‘We’re not doing this half-court garbage. We’re playing men’s ball. Take it or leave it. You couldn’t give it [basketball] up.

Or I couldn’t.”

Ott also had another sport she was interested in: bowling. She made it a point to go bowling several times a week, even into her 90s. She didn’t quit bowling until she moved into a nursing home in northwest Wichita.

“I was bowling five times a week until they put me in here,” she said.

Although they were a big part of her, sports weren’t all Ott had to do for fun in high school. There were no school dances when she was at Maize, but she said her family had entertainment enough for the student body.

“My parents on Saturday had square dances and my friends came and played dance,” Ott said.

She then added that it was not just her friends who would come every Saturday, but most of her graduating class. Ott said if she had any secrets to success to share after her 96 years, not being lazy seemed to be the real take away.

“Well, get in there,” Ott said. “Don’t be a sissy. Work hard, that’s [what’s] right. Get in there and work.”

It seemed to come as a bit of a shock to Ott when she was asked about her thoughts on being the oldest living Maize graduate.

“I am?” Ott said. “I guess [it’s a good thing]. As long as I lived a good life. And I have lived a very good life.” n — Casey Loving and Maddie Neigenfind

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Ruth Ott, 96, shares memories of her younger years with Play. She said the secret to living a good, long life is exercise.

Spotlight / 11

PRUDE

OLD FASHIONED

BORE

TEASE

TRAMP

ASKING FOR IT

#Not Okay

Someone is sexually assulted every 2 minutes in America Now Playing / 12

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loodshot eyes.

A sensation of pain shooting down your body.

The tears have dried from your pillow and your underwear is flung across your room.

All of the violent memories from the night before flood your mind with no intent of stopping. The bruises line your thighs and your hair is matted to your skull. You immediately realize what happened: The boy you had given your heart to for nine months had taken advantage of you.

He’s taken your innocence.

The one piece of yourself you had been saving.

He raped you.

The demented reality of this is that it happens every day. Every two minutes someone in America is sexually assaulted.

Nearly one in six women will report some kind of sexual assault in their lifetime and even more go unreported. According to the Rape and Incest National Network, approximately nine in 10 sexual assaults go unreported. Females between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely than the general population to experience sexual assault of any form. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately one in six boys and one in four girls are sexually abused before the age of 18.

Rape and sexual assault are prominent issues in this year’s elections. Two nights before the second presidential debate, the Washington Post released a video of Donald Trump making crude and vulgar remarks about women in 2005 with the host of “Access Hollywood,” Billy Bush. Trump has since apologized for the comments and excused them as “locker room talk.”

After the video was released, hundreds of thousands of victims have shared their stories via social media, including Canadian writer Kelly Oxford. She tweeted “Women: tweet me your first assaults. they aren’t just stats. I’ll go first: Old man on a city bus grabs my [vagina] and smiles at me, I’m 12.”

After her post, #NotOkay was trending in the US. The post was not intended to bash Trump, but rather to empower victims to feel strong enough to speak out. For two full days afterward, Oxford received nonstop tweets of women sharing their first-assault stories where everyone can see.

But rape and sexual assault don’t only happen on TV shows or to strangers far away. It happens to people in Kansas. In Wichita. To students who go to Maize.

‘That’s what guys are supposed to do’ Eva Miller wanted to go to a club one night with her friend.

“We couldn’t get anyone else to go with us,” Miller said. “So we decided that just the two of us would go and we would stay close by each other all night.”

Not long after they got there, some boys

approached them and asked them to dance.

They danced for a while, but her friend walked away with one of them and Miller was left alone. She didn’t want to lose her friend, so she decided to go find her.

“As soon as I started to walk away, the guy grabbed me and held me against him with what I’m sure was the tightest grip he could possibly have,” Miller said. “The next thing I know, he’s dragging me towards the door to leave, and I was trying my best to fight out of his grip, but it wasn’t working. I kept telling him to let go because I wanted to find my friend but he was ignoring me. When we finally got right up to the door, he said, ‘Let’s just go back to my place, she’ll be fine.’”

She continued to argue and say she just wanted to find her friend. The boy had caused such a scene that the bouncers came over and told him to let her go.

She went to find her friend and try to get as far away from him as possible, but he found her.

“He grabbed me again, but this time he was a lot more aggressive,” Miller said.

“Once he had a hold of me, he reached his hand up my skirt and started whispering things in my ear as if that was going to make me more comfortable with the situation. I was finally able to wiggle my arm out from under his grip enough to elbow him in the side and get him off of me.”

Once she got away, she went on a frantic search to find her friend.

“On the way home, I tried to explain the story to her, but before I could get to the details she cut me off by saying, ‘Eva, you have to realize you were at [the club]. That’s what guys are supposed to do. You should have expected it.’

“As soon as she said that, I shut my mouth, took a deep breath and continued the rest of the way home in silence.”

‘I was a target for predatory behavior’ Nichole Jones said she was first sexually abused when she was 4 years old.

“My mom had an abusive boyfriend, Fred, who would beat my mother in front of me and my younger brother every day,” Jones said. “And he would also rape her as well.

But when she was not around, I became his new target. It happened almost every time we were alone.”

When things ended with him and her mother, Nichole told her mother what he did to her, but her mother only dismissed it.

Years later, Jones’ struggle with sexual violence was not over. She said she was raped at 10 years old by two teenage boys who were living in her neighborhood at the time. She had known them since she had moved in.

Due to what had happened previously in her life, she said she felt that she was more mature than the other girls her age and that is what drew them to her.

“I’d fallen into a trap I wasn’t able to escape from,” Jones said. When her mother found out, she blamed Nichole.

Names have been changed to protect victims’ identities.

Where to get help Maize counseling Geri Hickerson

glhickerson@usd266.com

Betsy Manning

bmanning@usd266.com

Lyn Brown

lbrown@usd266.com

Paula Bette

pbette@usd266.com

“

I don’t care what you were wearing, I don’t care if you were very high or whatever. Ultimately, I am an advocate for students -Lyn Brown

W A S A C

ichita rea exual ssault enter

”

Counselor Lyn Brown suggests the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center to victims in the Wichita area.

You can contact them at (316) 660-5290 or visit 355 North Waco, Suite 100

Now Playing / 13

“She grounded me, called me a whore and a slut. She slapped me, pushed me, shut me out,” Nichole said.

Her grandmother convinced her mother to press charges against the boys. They tested evidence for a rape kit and had a forensics interview. With a rape kit, a medical professional collects DNA and collects the clothes the victim is wearing.

Nothing ever happened to the boys.

Once people at school found out, she was badly bullied. It got so severe, she decided to move schools.

After she moved, her cousin came to visit and told the kids in her new neighborhood and she again became a target for mocking.

“One boy invited me to his house, just to get his hands down my pants and force himself onto me,” she said. “His name was John.

I was 11, and he was 15. A few weeks later, a boy named William pulled me over when I was trying to play hide and seek, groped me and wouldn’t let me leave. He was 19. That was how it always was. I was a target for predatory behavior.”

When she was a freshman at Maize, she dated a boy who was 17. Nichole said he treated her badly.

“Whenever we were together, he would be all over me,” she said. “Hugging me, trying to kiss me, trying to be on my body somehow,” Nichole said. “That was only when we were in public. When we weren’t, he would grope me, try to take off my clothes, and get on top of me no matter how many times I yelled at him to get off of me.”

He would even pressure her and force her to get undressed in front of her friends.

He forced himself on her so many times she eventually gave in, giving him what he wanted.

“He would shower me with gifts and that would make me convince myself that he didn’t mean what he was doing,” Nichole said. “That I could take what he was doing, because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.”

She eventually broke up with him.

Nichole began to eat less, drink alcohol, use drugs, self harm and even had multiple suicide attempts.

“After a long time of trying to understand what happened to me and seeing how much it has affected me, I am slowly starting to find myself,” Nichole said. “I am learning how to take care of myself and people are taking care of me. I have a loving girlfriend and beautiful people who surround my life.

Every day is a horrendous battle, but I keep fighting.”

‘He got a year and I’m doing life’

When Sophia Johnson was 13, her parents made her brother take her to a Maize football game. He left her by herself so that he could be with his girlfriend. When she found her friends, they introduced her to a boy named Rick.

“He told me I was pretty and kissed my hand as we watched the high schoolers play football,” Sophia said.

When Rick asked for her number, she gave

14 / Now Playing

it to him.

“I was naive… No, I was 13 and I wanted to feel love,” Sophia said.

After a few weeks of texting and getting to know each other, he invited her to a party.

He offered to help her sneak out and take her there. She agreed, he picked her up, and they went.

“I was innocent, unaware of the dangers, but part of me knew I should turn around and go home,” Sophia said.

They got to the party, and Sophia said that she was instantly uncomfortable. She spent the night sitting in a corner next to a boy in a black hoodie but lost Rick.

After a few hours, she was ready to leave, so she got up to find Rick. When she found him, she noticed he was drunk. She said she knew he shouldn’t be driving, but she was ready to go. He nodded, said goodbye to his friends, and they started to leave.

When they were almost out of the house, he grabbed her and pulled her up the stairs.

She tried to wiggle to get free, but that only made him tighten his grip.

She begged him to let her go, but he ignored her and shoved her into a bedroom.

She began to run to the door, but he blocked her with his body.

“He grabbed my shoulders tightly and threw me onto the bed. My body was pinned underneath him, and I couldn’t move,” she said.

She tried to scream, but he covered her face with a pillow.

Again, she pleaded for him to let her go but he continued to ignore her. “My voice was weak as I felt him lifting up my skirt,” Sophia said. “His cold hands grabbed my hip, and I screamed again. He sat up and smacked my thigh aggressively, making me yelp in pain.”

He pressed himself against her using his body weight to pin her down.

“His hand made its way to my lady parts, thrusting his fingers roughly into me,” Sophia said. “I begged him to stop, the tears of pain and fear running through my body.

I felt my body being swallowed into a hole of muffled screams and painful nightmares.

My voice began to hurt, and I could not scream for much longer.”

When he was finished, he got up and she felt the relief of his weight off of her. But she then heard the sound of his belt coming undone. She felt him hovering above her, and he was saying things she couldn’t understand. His hands found her thighs again, opening them wider this time.

“I felt his grip on the pillow release as his warm hips touched my shaky thighs,” Sophia said. “The next few moments have always been a blur, but I remember screaming, screaming in agony. Crying out for a god I didn’t believe in to save me.”

His grip once again tightened on the pillow. She tried to fight back, but he was too strong. She began to see dots and passed out.

When she woke up, she was on her front porch and her dress was ripped. She was in too much pain to stand. She checked her watch for the time but her vision was still

blurry. The only number she could make out was the first: the number two. “‘If I can just crawl to the living room I’ll be alright,’ I thought to myself,” Sophia said.

“I brought myself to my hands and knees.

My knees shook but I had to get into the house..I leaned against the door and fell upon the cold hard tile.”

She cried as she used the wall as a support to help her get to her room.

When she was finally in her room, she began to think about what happened. She blamed herself and asked herself questions like “Why was I so stupid? Why didn’t I tell him no?”

Her family began to notice a change in her.

She wasn’t eating, she began to self harm, stole liquor, and even contemplated taking her life.

81 percent of women and 35 percent of men report significant short-term or long-term impacts such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Source: National Sexual Violence Resource Center One morning she was doubled over on the bathroom floor vomiting. She was so weak from not eating enough that she fainted.

She woke up in a hospital and her mother was talking to a doctor. When they noticed she was awake, they rushed over to her. The doctor was asking many questions, but the only one she heard was the one her mother asked.

“Sophia, how did you get pregnant?”

She told her mother she was raped. Her mother was horrified, and the doctor left the room and came back with more doctors.

Her doctor talked to her about options, and she decided that she was going to carry the baby, even though there were lots of risks.

She went to all of her regular doctor appointments and eventually moved schools because of bullying.

When the students at her new school found out, she was bullied again.

In court, the boy admitted to raping her and even admitted to letting his friends molest her while she was unconscious. When he took her home, he threw her onto the porch. She had to go to counseling, but she didn’t think it was helping.

Despite the hate and stress, she was excited for her little girl to come. She painted her room pink and had a crib in there. She had everything ready for when she came.

When she went to her obstetrician 32 weeks into her pregnancy, she received devastating news.

Her daughter was dead.

She was induced into labor, and they took her baby away.

“I saw them lift her away, but there was no crying,” Sophia said. “There was no life inside her little purple body. She was so tiny and innocent. I asked if I could hold her, but they wouldn’t let me.”

Eventually, the nurse let her hold the baby.

She cried while she held her.

Hours later, the doctor came back and told her that the baby would have been too small to survive even if she was healthy.

Sophia, who is now 16, still thinks about what happened to her, but stopped counseling about a year ago. She says that she still can’t sleep some nights because that night’s events replay in her mind.

“He got a year, and I’m doing life even if I’m the victim,” Sophia said. n —Paige Young

NOT ASKING FOR IT

Out of every 1,000 rapes, six people are prosecuted

Approximately 1.8 million adolescents in the United States have been victims of sexual assault

About 1 in 5 female high school students report being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner

The chances that a woman will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after being raped are 50 to 90 percent

It is estimated that one in four girls and one in seven boys by age 18 will have been the victim of some form of sexualized violence

One rape occurrs every eight hours and 18 minutes

Statistics from: Rainn.org, Nsopw.gov, Rrsonline.org, Humboldt.edu, and Accesskansas.org

A letter to Brock

Junior Savie Hughes writes a letter to Stanford’s sexual assaulter Brock Turner expressing her opinion about him and rape

D

ear Brock Turner, Hello former Stanford swimmer, how are you? Are you doing OK after spending only three of your six months in jail?

Are you embarrassed after having to register as a sexual offender? I know your dad is pretty mad you couldn’t enjoy a steak at a nice restaurant because you can’t be anywhere near children.

Are you scared that people in your community are going to attack you? When do you think you’ll be able to get in the pool again? Is this only a “minor setback” in your career?

Brock, please tell me, what were you thinking when you raped that girl behind a dumpster?

Oh, yeah, that’s right. It wasn’t rape in your eyes. I mean, she was only unconscious and you only ran after two people caught you in the act, but the state of California didn’t even call it “rape.” So I guess I should really ask: What were you thinking when you were convicted of “sexual assault”?

You see, Brock, in America one of every six women, according to Victims of Sexual Violence website, have been victims of attempted or successful rape; 50-90 percent of these women are likely to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after being assaulted. These women are four times more likely to be suicidal. You have now

contributed to this statistic.

But, you see, according to the judge on the trail, Aaron Persky, one bad decision should not affect the rest of your life. I mean, even though you took advantage of a woman, who will now have to live every day with that one bad decision, anything harsher than six months would have had too big of an impact on you.

But let’s not forget about the woman you left behind a dumpster with her dress above her waist, her underwear to her ankles and her bra pulled out.

The same woman who woke up in the hospital the next day completely unaware of what you did to her. Who had to find out what happened the same way everybody else in America did, through the news.

The woman who had to tell her parents she was raped and then tell all of America, having to relive that night to tell her attorneys over and over again what she remembered instead of just being a normal college student.

She had to expose herself to millions of people for justice. But anything longer than a six-month jail sentence would be too harsh for you.

The icing on the cake is that according to your father and you, the alcohol was to blame. Even though millions of people can drink alcohol and not rape somebody, you apparently are the “sexual assaulter” type of drunk.

The real reason I am writing this to you, Brock, is because I know too many women who have been assaulted by men who can’t control themselves. I also know that out of the four women I know who have been assaulted, none of the people who assaulted them were prosecuted.

This makes sense, because sexual violence is one of the most underreported crimes in America, mostly because when women who do work up the courage to report it have to worry about being faulted for the crime themselves.

From being accused of “asking for it” because of what they wear, to men saying she didn’t say no so that must mean yes, or like in your case, women not even remembering they were raped in the first place, it would only make sense that reporting it would make the women feel like they are reliving the memory over and over again for no purpose instead of taking the time to heal.

So rapist Brock Turner, from every girl out there who has been sexually assaulted by pigs like you, we wish only the best for you. Have fun being registered as a sexual offender, finding a job, finding a wife and making a family the right way, continuing that swimming career and, most of all, I hope those “merely 20 minutes of action” was worth your whole future.

Sincerely, All the people who have been assaulted. n — Savie Hughes

16 / Column

Play’s stance on the cover photo

YOU BELONG AT PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY 200+ ACADEMIC PROGRAMS FLAT RATE TUITION

A

s a staff, we realize the picture displayed on the cover might be shocking and even controversial.

We realize it may not be our usual style. And we also realize our readers might be disturbed by its graphic nature.

However, we believe that this is the best representation of a crude and evil act that we feel it is our duty to stand against.

Rape and sexual assault are often pushed under the rug, sugar-coated and made out to not be a big deal to some in today’s society.

After careful thought and discussion over the image that appears underneath our name, the Play staff decided that replacing the photo with one some would consider more suitable would be a disservice.

We would effectively be doing the same thing that society does with the act itself.

If the image were changed for something less outrageous, we would simply be sugar-coating it or pushing it under the rug ourselves.

Play takes a stand to say that rape and sexual assault are not acts you should feel OK about. This cover photo should make you mad. It should disgust you. But, most importantly, it should make you think.

We also would like to use this as a way to bring awareness to the victims and rape culture itself. We hope that by seeing others’ stories, victims of rape and other sexual abuse will not feel ashamed to reach out and get the help they need and deserve.

The cover is not pretty, and neither is rape.

If you as a reader have questions or comments, please reference our “Letter to the Editor” policy on Page 3 to have your voice be heard.

Kendra Cunningham, Editor-in-chief Lyndsey Piska, Photography Editor, Photographer

#BeAGorilla

Opinion / 17

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Strong but not bulletproof S

Marvel’s Netflix series ‘Luke Cage’ has strength in characters, but not much else

ince it began in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been one of my favorite franchises. With characters like “Iron Man,” “Captain America,” “Ant-Man,” “Spider-Man,” “The Avengers” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the MCU has been killing it in the superhero genre.

Some of my favorite things the MCU has created are their Netflix series “Daredevil” and “Jessica Jones.” “Daredevil” was an amazing introduction to the darker, grittier side of the usually fun and quippy world.

“Jessica Jones” did a fantastic job of further building on MCU’s Hell’s Kitchen by dealing with real-life issues such as rape and alcoholism in a fictional setting. Although I did not like it nearly as much as MCU’s previous Netflix shows, “Luke Cage” is a worthy entry to the cinematic universe.

“Luke Cage” is a 13-episode series that focuses on Cage, a bulletproof, black man living in Harlem. Like all of the other Netflix shows, “Luke Cage” is able to do a lot of things really well. Sadly, I found myself noticing a lot more wrong with the show than I ever did with “Daredevil” or “Jessica Jones.”

One thing I’ve always hated about MCU is a lack of quality villains. I don’t fear much for my heroes’ safety when the “big bads” they’re fighting are the generic Frost Giants or the forgettable Ronan the Accuser. Much like the other Netflix series, this is not a problem “Luke Cage” has.

Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes is an unpredictable antagonist that had me on the edge of my seat with every scene, and Mahershala Ali does a great job of making a not-sounique villain interesting. However, my favorite character of the show might be Cottonmouth’s foil, Shades. Theo Rossi’s Shades is charming, funny and smart, making him one of the best villains MCU has to offer. Basically, he is the Littlefinger from “Game of Thrones” of “Luke Cage.”

Cage himself, played by Mike Colter, is probably the main reason I found the show to be enjoyable. The character traits of Cage are common in MCU movies: a good guy with a bad past that is just trying to help people. However, Cage fits this trope well. From his cheesy catchphrases like “Sweet Christmas” to his hatred of swearing, Colter really does a great job of conveying exactly what his character stands for and why he is the last person you’d think a city would turn against. The show also did a fantastic job of reintroducing Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson), a regular for the Netflix series, in what may be her best performance in the role.

Even though the leading characters were the main reason I loved the show,

3/5 Play buttons

they are not the only things to be enjoyed in “Luke Cage.” Every action scene in the show is a real shot in the arm of adrenaline, making you completely forget any problem you might have with the show. However cliche’ this may sound, “Luke Cage” does a great job of making Harlem feel like a character, sometimes more important and interesting than the protagonist himself. Finally, much like “Jessica Jones,” “Luke Cage” is able to deal with serious and relevant issues like police brutality.

A common criticism for MCU Netflix series is that they don’t have enough plot for their 13-episode run, and “Luke Cage” is the only time that has really rang true for me. The show had plenty of filler, the dialogue wasn’t always on point, and it just seemed a bit rushed.

Everything that was happening in the show felt like some insane coincidence, and it really hurt my experience.

Although I found Cottonmouth and Shades to be amazing villains, the show’s other bad guys can’t live up to either of them. Mariah Dillard, (Alfre Woodard) is a corrupt politician trying to bring Cage down so she can rise up, and her story is about as interesting as the opening credits.

Diamondback (Erik LaRay Harvey), a villainous crime lord with a past related to Cage, is about as intimidating as a cartoon character, with a costume that doesn’t look too far from one.

Overall, I enjoyed “Luke Cage,” but if I had to rank the Netflix shows, this would come in at the bottom. Many of the characters in the show are fun to watch, strong and powerful, but there is something to be desired in the writing and story. Cage is a character that I want to see a lot more of, but I have yet to see if I wouldn’t prefer him in an ensemble setting. I would recommend that more people watch “Luke Cage,” but maybe only those who are already a fan of the superhero genre. If you do watch the show, it might not be worth the 13-hour binge I’d usually recommend. n – Casey Loving

Review / 19

The great debate

Students share their opinion on this year’s presidential candidates I’m With Her Because

S

o as of right now the United States has two options, or as some like to call it, choosing between the lesser of two evils. I personally feel electing a candidate is kind of like a marriage. You’re not just getting one person, you’re getting the whole family, and, in this case, the party. Most Democrats can agree (despite any personal feelings toward Clinton) that she has their vote based on her party’s platforms. Aside from this, I personally feel she is a well-groomed candidate from a lifetime in politics. Experience on a resume typically gives an employer peace of mind, and I feel that people should consider this when hiring a leader to work for their best interest. n –Roo Rusk, senior

Hillary Clinton

* Democrat * Fair tax system * Clear path to citizenship * Raising minimum wage * Defend & expand Affordable Care Act Source: hillaryclinton.com

I Want America Great Again

W

hy Trump? The question for me at this point in the election is not “why Trump?” but “why Hillary?” I feel personally that Hillary deserves to be in prison, in kind terms Ignorantia juris non excusat. Trump, just like any multi-millionaire, has a shady tax past; worse could be said about the Clinton Foundation that uses the excuse of “nonprofit” to funnel money into the Clintons’ pockets virtually tax free. At this point in the election, there is no evidence supporting Hillary. She and her husband have been the face of corruption ever since they set foot in the office.

I have grown to like Trump, and as much as I hate to admit it, he wasn’t my first choice, but he is honest. I don’t agree with everything he says. The wall is a tall order, but making U.S. citizenship easier to obtain isn’t, changing the tax bracket isn’t, and repealing Obamacare isn’t.

In an election without Hillary, Trump has earned my vote very slightly. Yet the fact that Hillary is part of this election has officially blocked my vote for this Democratic candidate. My vote against the Democratic candidate is not solely because of a simple disagreement on policy, but because of a disagreement on ethics. I can’t allow a criminal to run the country I love and choose to live in. n –Mark Lindsted, senior

Donald Trump

* Republican * Reduce taxes across the board * Enforce the immigration laws * Pro-growth tax plan * Repeal and replace Obamacare Source: donaldjtrump.com

20 / Opinion

Choosing the future

S

2016 election brings first-time voters to the polls

enior Baylee Dobler plans to exercise her right to vote for the first time in the upcoming election.

“No matter what, I will vote on Election Day because I believe it is a privilege as an American and as a woman to vote,” Dobler said. “So many people have fought for the right to do so, and I think choosing not to vote disrespects everything the people before me fought so hard to have.”

With each election year comes a fresh wave of first-time voters. Nov. 8 is Election Day, and while there are four candidates in the race, two have caught the eye of the public and the press: Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Senior Brady Potter said he is disappointed with the choices he has been given for his first election. “[I’m] pretty upset that this is the first time I get to vote and I have to choose between these two people,” Potter said. “It’s a lot different than any other election I’ve ever seen.”

Potter said he is concerned that his fellow classmates are voting for all the wrong reasons.

“I know a lot of people that are just gonna vote for one person because they don’t want the other to win, and that’s not really how you should be voting,” he said. “You should be voting for what you think is right instead of against what you think is wrong. The more educated people become in politics, the more they will actually know what they are talking about.”

Dobler said she agrees that this election is a crazy one and is concerned for the outcome.

“It seems like the candidates are so much more extreme than normal this year,” Dobler said. “I thought the battles within the parties for candidates were really interesting, and now I’m just scared either way for who will be our next president.”

Potter said he feels like there is another weight that has fallen onto his shoulders as he gets ready for adulthood. “[It] feels like another responsibility that I’m going to have for the rest of my life,” Potter said. “Just like when I turned 18 there was a whole bunch of things. I feel like I have the right and I’m legal, I feel more important.”

Excited for the upcoming election, Dobler continues to prepare and analyze the race.

“I’ve been researching all candidates from the presidential race to even some local candidates running for office in Topeka,” Dobler said. “I am so excited to vote.”

Government teacher Kevin Roulhac said he thinks that the country has become too content with jumping to criticize the opinions of others.

“We are at a point where individuals no longer can respectfully disagree,” Roulhac

said. “I just think it is ridiculous that the election has become a fight over character flaws as opposed to a debate over policy issues that will affect our nation moving forward.”

Becoming educated about political policies and involved with the government is considered by some to be crucial for firsttime voters who plan to participate in the upcoming election.

“It’s so hard as a student not to just believe what is on TV or on our [Twitter] timelines instead of taking the time to actually research candidates and see what they actually believe in rather than what the media portrays,” Dobler said.

Roulhac agrees that becoming more educated and involved is always a step in the right direction.

“Each candidate has a different viewpoint on topics that will affect young people directly,” Roulhac said. “The worst thing that can happen for students is for them to have social media or their family or friends be the sole source of political information.”

‘Twitter Moments’ was

introduced to Twitter users worldwide in 2015 and is of 18 - 29-year-olds updated daily to see the best of what’s happening on Twitter. voted in the Potter said he receives most of 2012 election his political information from the Moments section. of 18 - 29-year-olds “It has news stories on Twitter, did not vote in the something new or controversial that Donald Trump said or an2012 election other bad thing found out about Hillary Clinton,” Potter said. “There’s almost always something on there about the two.”

Dobler also admits that she receives some information from Twitter, although she does her best to avoid it.

“I try not to believe what I see on social media, but it definitely affects how I’ve viewed this election,” Dobler said. “The candidates’ Twitters are what has shocked me during this election; the fact that

our two candidates for president act like

Only 45% of eligible teenagers on social media honestly worries

young voters actually voted. me.”

Disappointed by the fact that this

The other 55% did not vote generation heavily relies on social media

in this election. This was as a political channel, Roulhac remains down from the 51% that against deceitful sources.

voted in 2008.

“These outlets paint a certain picture, and I think it is hard for young people to be According to the 2012 election. able to sift through the bologna and figure Source: civicyouth.org out what is true, false or pointed,” Roulhac said. “I think at times young people need to exert a little more effort and find a wide range of objective outlets to help paint a more holistic picture when it comes to political issues.” n -Sadie Ast

45%

55%

Spotlight / 21

A

Be informed: vote Regardless of who you are voting for, it’s important to vote

merica soon will decide whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton will take the place of President Barack Obama and become the most powerful citizen in the country. You may or may not be excited for the candidates the American people have chosen, but the fact is one of them will be our next president.

The future president can only serve in office for a maximum of eight years, but their impact on the country can live on long after their time in office has passed.

Let’s face it, the run up to this election has been interesting and entertaining. Some find their options for the future leader of the United States terrifying. But it’s not just the nominees that make this election nerve-wracking; it’s also the voters. According to an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey, only 36 percent of Americans can name the three branches of government.

The lack of basic civic knowledge among Americans is concerning since these citizens have the power to elect who runs our country but can’t even name what branch of government the president is under.

As an American citizen, you are given the right to vote the day you turn 18. Voting is your chance to have a voice and decide how you want your country to be directed for the next four years. Even if you can’t vote, the issues these candidates talk about and are trying to resolve can still be relevant when you actually do meet the voting requirements. Having political knowledge prior to voting can benefit the voting process in future elections. You’ll have a better under-

Cartoon by Allie Choyce

22 / Editorial

standing and can see errors of past policies.

Senior Lacey Castillo said that endorsing presidential nominees is a part of your duty as a United States citizen, even if you can’t vote.

“You yourself can’t vote, but you can persuade others to vote,” Castillo said. “You have to also advocate for whichever candidate you believe is fit for the job; without activism your voice means nothing.”

It doesn’t matter if you support Clinton, Trump, Green Party candidate Jill Stein or Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson; if you personally believe that they can lead this nation in the most efficient way, support them and, if eligible, vote for them. But if you don’t know who you want to support, now is the time to start.

Some Americans neglect to research the person they plan on advocating. You’re doing yourself and your country a disservice if you blindly cast your vote or show your support without knowing the stance of the candidates.

Research what the candidates stand for to form an opinion. Also if you need to refresh your knowledge on the government, do it. If you don’t know its basic functions, then you don’t know what the president does while in office. If you don’t know what the president’s duties are, then how can you elect or support one?

If someone asks you why you back a certain candidate, you should be able to validate why you do and the reasons you’re against the other nominees. Saying the other candidate is “stupid” is not a well-founded

reason. Read through the issues that have often been discussed during the election (such as abortion, health care, gun control, foreign policy, economic issues) and contemplate your opinion on these topics before you view the candidates’ opinions.

Doing this will prevent you from choosing a candidate for any reason other than their political view. Also, make sure to use and find credible sources.

Do not base your opinions on other people. If your parents belong to a particular party, you might feel obligated to support the party’s candidate even if you don’t agree with the party’s platform. You are your own person; you have your own ideas. If you’re afraid someone will be upset with who you’re voting for, the ballots are secret. They can’t see what you put down, and neither can anyone else. Your opinion can affect the nation; don’t alter it just to appease someone else. If everyone agreed on politics, we wouldn’t need an election.

As citizens of the United States, we have the decision to drive our country in the direction we want. It’s a unique opportunity that some other countries don’t have.

Just because other Americans don’t like our options for president doesn’t mean you shouldn’t like them too. If you genuinely believe that this person can benefit the country and its citizens, then support him or her. The 2016 election isn’t a joke — even though it can be funny at times. It’s a chance to have your voice heard and change our nation for the better. n –Lauryn McIntyre

Press pause a moment with

What I do in my free time:

I have traveled to:

Some of the places I’ve been to are:

My favorite thing about traveling is:

Do I plan on visiting anywhere else?

My favorite place to travel is:

How I am able to graduate a year early:

Where do I plan to go to college:

I plan to go to college for:

Where do I see myself in 10 years:

Junior Austyn Ritchie took his senior pictures at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. Ritchie has traveled to over 20 different places. Photo by Bleu Hollow Photography.

Spotlight / 23

Back and better than ever

Senior Jacey Handy learns she can play basketball her senior year

A

fter nearly a year of waiting, senior Jacey Handy said she is ready, willing and able to get back on the court.

Last year, she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee, causing her to sit out her junior year basketball season.

Then she had another setback that nearly cost her her senior season.

Over the summer, Handy began playing basketball for the first time since last year.

The headaches turned to migraines.

“We thought it might’ve been a concussion from basketball,” Handy said.

After constant headaches and migraines, Handy knew it wasn’t just a concussion.

“I started getting numb in my arm and face. It was really scary and I didn’t know what to do.” she said.

Handy got an MRI when it was just headaches, and nothing showed up. After she started getting numb in her arm and face, her doctor suggested a CT scan. Again, nothing showed up.

A few weeks later, something finally showed up in an MRI. It was a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding in the space surrounding the brain.

She said she was crushed when she found out she might not play basketball her senior year.

“It’s hard to believe it’s happening,” Handy said she thought at the time.

Handy went to the neurologist to find out how advanced the hemorrhage was.

The doctor explained to her that there are multiple levels of subarachnoid hemorrhag-

es ranging in severity by the deepness of the bleeding in the skull.

“My bleeding was just on the surface,” Handy said. “Since I took time off to let it heal, I should be good to start playing again.”

Jacey’s parents said they feel confident about her getting back on the court. Winter sports practices start Nov. 14.

“I was just really excited for her and relieved that there was nothing serious going on and she was able to play,” said Jerrod Handy, Jacey’s father and coach.

Jerrod said he thinks Jacey will have a new outlook after missing last season “She really learned to appreciate the game,” he said. “And when it almost happened again, it’s going make her be so gratified that she can play this year.”

Jacey’s mother, Dana, agreed.

“I think what’s mostly going to make her play better is because she almost lost the opportunity to play,” Dana Handy said. “Now she’s going to capitalize every minute of it.”

Jacey said her friends have helped her get through her struggles.

“There’s eight of us girls who are really close, and anytime we hang out or go out to eat, we always prayed for Jacey,” junior Lexi Cannizzo said.

Despite her injuries, which also have included back problems, Jacey said she is excited to have the opportunity to get back on the court.

“It’s going to be a good season,” she said. n –Stormi Williams and Lauryn Ogden

An infographic of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, the condition that Jacey Handy has. It explains what a subarachnoid hemorrhage is, and the cause of a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Photo Illustration by Logan Dillon.

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“ You can’t control if your body gets hurt, you just gotta control your work ethic and your attitude about it.”

- Senior Jacey Handy

Jacey wears a brace due to her subarachnoid hemorrhage. Jacey will continue to play basketball this year. Photo by Stormi Williams.

In the End Zone J

Dalyn Johnson breaks school’s touchdown record

unior Dalyn Johnson has broken record after record. Starting off every game day with a power playlist and ending the pregame with a prayer.

“I ask for both teams to be injury free,” Johnson said. “I ask for our team to go out and compete to the best of our ability. I ask for [God] to keep me away from evil [...] most of all I ask for that ‘dub.’”

Johnson has grown a lot these past years. He started off his high school football career as a 5-foot-6, 150-pound freshman. Today, he Johnson stands one inch taller, 60 pounds heavier and has been named the best running back in the state of Kansas according to Varsity Kansas.

He said he doesn’t worry about getting tackled when facing opponents.

“I just do what I’m supposed to do and just score touchdowns,” Johnson said. “It’s kind of like a different world when you’re on the field. Once you step on, you’re just in the zone.”

Johnson has scored a record-setting 26 touchdowns --23 of those being rushing and the other three receiving -- in the 2016 season alone, beating the school’s record previously held by Chase White, a 2014 graduate.

“It would be a whole different team without Dalyn,” senior teammate Konner Swenson said.

The Eagles have advanced from last season’s 1-8 record to now standing at 6-1. They have defeated top-ranked teams in the AVCTL, including Eisenhower.

“It’s rewarding to beat teams when everybody overlooks us,” Johnson said about coming back from a losing season.

Despite it being a new season, the team retained most of their starters last year. Swenson attributes the success to the team’s bond.

“We’ve been so successful because there’s just more chemistry,” Swenson said. “Our offensive line hasn’t really changed, and then there’s a year of added experience for everybody.”

The team can attribute 1,379 of their 2,536 rushing yards, or 54 percent, to Johnson.

Johnson is averaging 7.64 yards per carry, usually scoring a touchdown about every six time he touches the ball. every three plays.

“I try not to get big- headed,” Johnson said. “Because if I get bigheaded, it brings distractions to the team. I just try to think of it as a team game, and I wouldn’t be able to do anything without our offensive line.”

From all of his recent success, Johnson has developed fans who admire his skills.

“It feels amazing just knowing that people look up to me and [want to] follow in my steps,” he said. “I’m like a role model to them, and they look up to me just like I look up to players in the NFL.” Johnson said says that his fans keep him excited about the game.

“It is just motivational for me to keep working hard and keep getting better,” he said.

Coach Gary Guzman said he believes Johnson is a great asset to the team.

“When you talk about his skill set, he brings a little bit of everything to the table,” Guzman told Varsity Kansas. “He has the vision, he makes good cuts, he can catch it out of the backfield. And he doesn’t always have to go around you. He has enough strength now where he can take on defenders.”

When asked what it’s like to step onto the field Johnson said he focuses on the game.

“I don’t talk [when I’m on the field].” Swenson said, agreeing with Johnson. “I respond by playing. I show them by playing football.”

Johnson responded with a head nod and “I’m gonna miss you so much next year, man.” n

Dalyn Johnson waits along the line of scrimmage in a game against Campus. Dalyn Johnson has scored 21 touchdowns, and is close to beating the record.

Photo by Lauryn Ogden

–Kendra Cunningham and Lyndsey Piska

Sports / 25

Home of the brave Students give their perspective on being first generation Americans

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America is known for being the land of the free and the home of the brave, as said in “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Since this country’s birth -- before, in fact -- America has been the destination for immigrants looking for more opportunities.

As defined by the Merriam-Webster website, a first-generation American is a person who was born in another country and migrated to a new country or someone born in the United States with two foreign-born parents.

Maize students open up and tell their stories on being a first generation American.

Give me your tired, your poor your huddled masses yearning to be free Junior Aden Lee and sophomore Collin Lee came to the United States after being adopted by their parents, Wendy and John Lee. The Lee brothers were born in Ukraine, but because of their biological mother’s lifestyle and the absence of a father figure, their mother put them up for adoption.

Wendy and John decided to adopt after Wendy had a miscarriage in 2003. They had intended on getting a son and daughter in Ukraine, but after traveling, their plans changed. When they saw the brothers’ photos in the orphanage, they said that’s when they knew they wanted to adopt them.

The people at the orphanage didn’t know how old Aden and Collin really were when they were adopted. They estimated Aden was 4 and Collin, 3. Aden said the boys took an immediate liking to Wendy and John.

Aden said the first time he saw Wendy he called her “momma.”

26 / Lifestyle

“I was just happy to have a mother and father that were there,” Aden said.

Though the boys don’t personally view themselves as immigrants because they weren’t fleeing the country to build a new life and got their citizenship through the adoption, they still understand what it’s like to migrate and come to a new country.

“It was a little scary moving to another country,” Collin said. “Because everything is different here [in America]” The brothers say they’d like to go back and see Ukraine someday. They said they might want to catch up with their biological mother and see how she’s doing.

Collin said they had it easier than most people because they didn’t have to go through as much paperwork. The boys became legal citizens through their adoption. The boys said they know they are very fortunate to be in America.

“It’s a better life here,” Collin said. “People make the choices if they don’t have that stuff [food, money, and shelter] … while people over there [in their country] are probably being tortured or aren’t as wealthy as people over here.”

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore Send these the homeless tempest tossed to me.

Junior Sue Chanvannasee came to America in 2014. She was born in Pakse, Laos, where she left everything behind for a better education in America. She said that if she got a degree from an American college, she

could go so much further in life.

Chanvannasee said she has faced many hardships transitioning to another country.

She said living away from her mother is difficult. It has forced her to grow up faster than most kids. She said she has had to struggle with learning a culture that differed so much from her native culture.

“If I moved here when I was 4 or 5 years old, it wouldn’t be this hard,” Chanvannasee said. “Because, of course, I wouldn’t know much about my country, but coming here at 14, I know those things pretty well.”

Communicating with family in Laos is difficult with the 12-hour time difference between the countries. As a result, Chanvannasee and her mother mostly text each other during the week and find a time to talk over the weekends.

Chanvannasee said she dislikes how people take things like education and freedom for granted. She said she wishes people would be more conscientious and value all the opportunities that are available to them, whereas she has struggled and had to fight for her education and freedom.

“Those are really good things that they shouldn’t be pushed aside,” Chanvannasee said. “They have everything with them and sometimes they don’t use that very wisely.”

Chavannassee said she wishes people would be more open to immigrants and their reason for coming to America.

“Everyone, you know, has different stories,” Chanvannasee said. “The best thing to do is to just be more open to learn more about other people.”

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I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

Junior Alanis Balza was born in Caracas, Venezuela and came to America at two years old. Balza’s parents studied as foreign exchange students in America and returned to Venezuela after Balza’s older sister, Ashley, was born.

Balza’s parents thought the circumstances with the government were getting better but soon after returning, they realized they were wrong, and two years after Balza was born, they fled the harsh conditions of Venezuela to come back to America.

Alanis said her parents had previous connections in the U.S., making their

Aden and Collin Lee kept their passports from when they came to America in 2003.

travels a lot quicker.

Coming to America was not an easy venture for Balza and her family. They had to leave many things behind.

Balza still has a family in Venezuela trying to come to America because of the dangerous conditions in Venezuela. Balza said most groceries stores are closed for two weeks at a time.

Her family has had to send food to family.

According to the U.S. State Department website, Venezuela is one of the deadliest countries in the world. Caracas, Venezuela is second on the most dangerous cities list with a homicide rate of 155 per 100,000 residents. In February of 2014, teenagers participated in a peaceful protest which resulted in teens being tortured and others almost killed. “​[If I lived in Venezuela] my​​parents​​ would​ ​be​ t​ errified​ ​for​ ​my life​,” Balza said. ​“Because​ ​teenagers​ ​are​ ​in​ ​a​ ​lot​ ​of ​ danger​ b ​ ecause​ ​of​ t​​ hat [protest].”

Balza hopes that her family who still resides in Venezuela will migrate to the United States. Certain conditions have made immigration very difficult.

Balza says there’s a lot of paperwork involved and the immigration laws make it very difficult for her.

Through the years, Balza has struggled with self-confidence due to her appearance compared to girls around

her. While other girls had light hair, eyes and skin, Balza had dark hair, dark eyes and dark skin.

“It was kind of hard for me,” said Balza. “Because I kind of felt like no one was like me. Like, why am I like this and they’re not? What’s wrong with me?”

Balza says being an immigrant is a lot to handle. People jump to misconceptions about immigrants coming the America. Balza says that when people call immigrants kidnappers or criminals it doesn’t make her feel very good.

“America’s the golden door for most of them [immigrants],” Balza said.

“They come here because they think they have a free and equal shot.”

Balza and her parents are still residents in the United States, but are working on citizenship. They started working for their citizenship when they first moved back the United States but stopped. Now that Ashley is 21, they are planning to have her help. After Balza is granted citizenship she says she plans on becoming an immigration lawyer to be the voice for those who want to be in America.

“When I get my citizenship … I’m going to do a lot of important things in this country,” said Balza. “And I will say hey ‘I’m an immigrant and I was good for this country’.” n — Allie Choyce

1. Brothers Aden and Collin Lee are from Ukraine. The boys were adopted by Wendy and John Lee. 2. Junior Sue Chanvannasee is from Pakse, Laos.

In 2014, Chanvannasee was offered a chance to live in the U.S. by her family member.

3. Junior Alanis Balza was born in Caracas, Venezuela. Balza’s parents came to America when she was 2 years old. Photos by Allie Choyce.

Lifestyle / 27

Faces of competition

Sophomore Jordon Helm double checks the play.

Taking the win, the Eagles defeated the Colts 35-21.

Photo by Lauryn Ogden

Football coach Victor Mercado expresses his frustration during the Ark City game.

The Eagles won 56-33.

Freshman Meredith Herter competes in singles match at Maize. Losing her first match against Andover Central, she came back to get the next win.

Senior Garrett Stover rehydrates after getting off the field during the Ark City football game.

Junior Cole Carter faces Campus in an overtime match up. Maize defeated the Colts 1-0.

Photos by Ryan Jones

Girls Golf

Sports in brief

The girls golf team got another league title this year. Five of the players placed in the top 15. The team, which included senior Gabi Desjardins, juniors Bailey Stedman, Amber Donker, Hannah Scheuermann, and sophomore Riley Hunter, went on the finish third in its regional to qualify for state.

“Golf teaches you a lot about life and how to never give up and to always keep going,” junior Bailey Stedman said.

“I started playing golf my freshman year.

I played it because one day my brother decided to take me out and I really liked it.” n

Boys Soccer

The boys soccer team finished out their regular season Oct. 20 against Salina South, going 8-5-3. The Eagles were 5-2-2 in league games.

The team was scheduled to play Goddard Eisenhower in the first round of regionals Tuesday. If the Eagles won, they were scheduled to play the winner of Topeka West vs.

Bishop Carroll on Thursday.

“It is very important to me,” sophomore Hunter Clark said. “When I’m playing soccer I feel like I’m someplace else. It’s a great feeling. When I’m in the middle of a game, nothing else is on my mind except soccer.” n

Football

The football team finishes out the regular season games going 6-2, improving on last season when it won one game.

The team opens the Class 5A playoffs tonight against Arkansas City. It’s the Eagles’ first playoff game since 2013.

A victory against Arkansas City will put the Eagles in the next round against the winner of Valley Center and Newton.

The Eagles could be without quarterback Brayden Payne, who injured a shoulder last week against Hutchinson. If he can’t start, sophomore Caleb Grill is the likely starter. n

Volleyball

The volleyball team finished the season 31-10 after being eliminated in the substate tournament Saturday.

The team, which finished second in league, beat Great Bend on Saturday but lost to Pittsburgh in the sub-state final.

This is the first time that the girls have not gone to state since they have been coached by Betsy Manning. n

Cross Country

The cross country team competed in regionals Saturday. The boys finished second to qualify for the state Saturday.

“I really like the way we all work together as a team,” junior Nolan Brackin said.

“We are all so close to each other we’re like a family. We do pretty much everything together and it really improves the way we perform at each meet.”

The girls, who were fighting through injuries, finished fourth. Kate Reimer, Aria Sheldon and Annie Allenbach qualified as individuals. The girls team had been to state 18 years in a row.

A week before, the girls won the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League meet for the eighth time in the past 11 years. The boys team won for the six time. n

Photo Focus / 29

Lead

the way Students volunteer throughout the community

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1. Seniors Emma Hahn and Katherine Taylor pick tomatoes for Colwich Gardens Assisted Living residents to eat.

“I volunteer because I want to dedicate my life to serving others,” Hahn said.

“Helping people has always been a really important part of my life.” Hahn also helped organize food in their pantry and Taylor helped clean pumpkins.

2. Sophomore Jonathan Mercer went on a Kay Club trip to volunteer at Colwich Gardens Assisted Living. There, he visited with some of the residents.

3. Sophomore Kara Wilson said that despite the hot weather, she still enjoyed washing pumpkins and getting to help out. Wilson also wiped windows, picked tomatoes, and cut pumpkins off the vines.

Photos by Lily McClaren

30 / Photo Focus

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4. Sophomore Emma Wituk and junior Sydney McGrown hand water and Gatorade to runners. “The most fun part of handing out water and Gatorade was getting to hang out with my friends and handing out water and Gatorade to all the runners when they looked like were about to pass out,” Wituk said.

“The hardest part was making sure that the water didn’t spill everywhere,” McGrown said.

5. Senior Mia Magby refills a runner’s water bottle. Magby said that getting to see all the older people running was the best part and that it really amazed her the physical shape they were in.

6. Senior Brooklyn Bert gets her blood drawn for the third time.

“When she went to go stick the needle in, my vein moved,” Bert said. “It hurt a little bit, but other than that it was pretty painless.”

7. Senior Maura Glatczak donates blood during the KAY Club blood drive. This was her first time donating blood. n Photos by Alaina Cunningham

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Photo Focus / 31

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