Colleges showcase their offerings ...............pg. 4
Homecoming Night Ends Bright....pg. 8 & 9
Vol. III Issue 1 Oct. 2012 [A student publication of Ruskin High School] By McKaela Cooper CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Hickman Mills C-1 School District lost its designation from the State of Missouri from being fully accredited to provisionally accredited on Sept. 17. It left many students, parents, and staff wondering what being provisionally accredited meant for them? Hickman Mills School District is still accredited, but being provisionally accredited means the district can continue to focus on academic improvement, without state intervention, while making improvements in educating students. The district scored seven out of 14 points on the most recent state MSIP review because of test scores, academic achieve-
[Kansas City, MO]
Hickman School District loses full accreditation ments, attendance and more. Districts need to meet at least nine standards to be fully accredited, and six to be considered for provisional accreditation. In the previous three years the district has earned at least the nine points out of the 14 that it needed to stay fully accredited and it has made improvements each year in almost all areas. But last year was different. Acting Superintendent Everlyn Williams said she was disappointed with the loss of full accreditation.
“We had worked so hard and established great goals and thought that progress was a sure thing,” Williams said. “However, something went wrong.” Other schools in the Kansas City metropolitan area met their requirements for full accreditation, including the Kansas City Missouri School District, which had been struggling. The fact that Hickman Mills School District did not, leaves many to believe that the schools in the District, including Ruskin High School, are not achieving. Ruskin High
School Principal Chad Ryerson disagrees. “I don’t believe that we are an underperforming school. We are comparable to many other schools, we just haven’t hit our full stride yet,” Ryerson said. “Too many people tell our students that they won’t make it in Ruskin and that it is not a good school for them, and our students are starting to believe them.” Regardless of the improvements made at the high school, the District is still provisionally accredited and some wonder how that might affect students as they graduate and apply to colleges. Williams said the provisional accreditation does not have an impact on student’s See “Accreditation,” cont. on pg. 3
Ruskin Celebrates Senior Night
By Alexus Sun NEWS EDITOR
Everyone throughout the Hickman Mills School District came together at Ruskin High School to celebrate Senior Night on Friday, October 12. “Senior year should be a series of recognitions and celebration,” Kim Sixta said. Sixta took charge of or-
ganizing the event for Ruskin, gathering short bios from students participating in fall sports and related activities. Seniors had the opportunity to walk before the football game to be honored for participating in any fall sport activities throughout their high school years. Most seniors appreciate having a night that honors their efforts. “I felt wonderful and proud
Truman Trivia Contest ..........Pg. 3
Photo by Jory Stevenson
See “Seniors,” cont. on back cover
[ INSIDE THIS ISSUE... ] No More Bells .......Pg. 2
Senior Tyshana Burton, is escorted by senior, Tyron Daniels, and Burton’s brother during the Senior walk to recognize her achievements. Burton was a member of the Lady Eagle Softball team. All Ruskin High School seniors who participated in fall sports or related activities were honored during senior night Oct. 12.
College Visits .......Pg. 4
Homecoming Memories ........Pg. 8 & 9
What’s Hot In Music ......Pg. 10
Eagle Sports Wrapup .......Pg. 13
Eagles Football .......Pg. 14
Hair Musical .......Pg. 16
[NEWS]
[PAGE 2]
No More Tardy Bells at RHS By D’Aunt’e Dixon STAFF REPORTER
Sophomore Robert Crenshaw covers a Friday night Eagle’s football game, one of the many school event for use in a video production.
Ruskin Eagle Vision T.V. by Rogelio Ayala STAFF REPORTER
A program that started off as a way to utilize the studio available in the school has now developed into a method to be more innovative and a great way to involve students that are interested in looking for training in a career in the video production field. Ruskin brings something fresh with its new video production program, a broadcast by the name of Ruskin Eagle Vision T.V. It is a production made by teens for teens with the first broadcast expected to be uploaded and viewable by October 15 on the Ruskin Eagle Vision T.V. website, ruskineaglevision.com. “From this production, one can expect to see news stories, special features, and coverage of sports as well as arts and entertainment,” Graphics Director of the Ruskin Eagle Vision website Abbass Iqbal said. Stories ranging from interviews with sophomores to how the sports teams are doing this season will be available for ev-
eryone’s viewing pleasure on the website. This is made possible because of the staff behind this entire broadcast. “It is a tedious task but a great experience if you know what you’re doing,” Corey Adams said. Other staff members though can see that this class comes with its few shares of difficulties. “It is fun being in an exclusive class but at the same can get get very irritating,” Bobby Neal said. “I still enjoy it nonetheless.” Still in its infant stage, Ruskin Eagle Vision T.V. is in need of a bit of tweaking and hopes to change that over time are already being talked about. “Well in terms of being more frequent and having a staff that’s entirely involved in its own production hopefully can make the productions more successful over time and allow us to move on into bi-weekly and later on maybe into daily productions,” Video Production Teacher Greg Stevens said.
Ruskin High School students don’t have to use a tardy bell to get to class this school year. RHS administration turned off the class tardy bells to prepare students for life after high school. “The removal of the tardy bell was for the better because it helps the students learn to be more responsible and take initiative towards getting to class on time, preparing students for life after high school,” Assistant Principal John Miller said. Principal Chad Ryerson said he never liked the bells and he believes not having them helps students get to class on time responsibly. “It gives the students more freedom,” Ryerson said. Miller explained that only a few students have taken ad-
vantage of not having tardy bells by being late to class. “The 98 percent of students that do what they need to do don’t try to take advantage of the new policy but the other three percent that try to milk the system will try to take advantage of the policy,” Miller said. Miller believes students will eventually get it. “In the long run, older students will try to teach the younger students, like the sophomores, to get to class and not mess around in the hallways,” Miller said. Ryerson said the tardy bell changes will stay in effect for the next few years. “High school students like consistency they don’t want new changes every other month or two,” Ryerson said.
Students at RHS must find their way to their classes on their own this year, without the help of tardy bells.
[NEWS]
[PAGE 3] By Erika Garner CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Trivia Experts. Showing off their blue backpacks, Ruskin high school students Sarah Nichols, Devin Bolen, Caleb Green, Vince Pellettiere, Baylee Houk- Watskey, and Bryce Stevenson celebrate their second place finish in the 5th Annual High School Trivia Contest. The team members received a certificate and a gift card for being the runner up team against other local schools. Students answered 50 questions that focused on this year’s theme, presidential elections, and according to Ruskin High School social studies teacher Robert Nellis, the team put their best effort into their answers. “This year’s team took the challenge to heart,” Nellis said. “And I’m very proud of their accomplishment.” Submitted photo.
Ruskin Scholars win silver in Truman Trivia Contest high school diploma or their college entrance process. “At this point it does not affect any other aspect of schooling for young people” Dr. Williams said. “What it does say is that we must work very hard not to have any regressions in performance. Additionally, it is a wake up call for us to improve achievement at every level, increase the rigor in all content areas, monitor and improve attendance, increase the graduation rates, EOC in English, ACT scores and Algebra. What does the provisional accreditation mean for RHS teachers? Williams said it does not impact the instructional programs or the requirements from the state. “Good teachers are critical to the success of the school district,” William said. “I would hope that we have developed a staff of hard working individuals who are committed to assisting us in moving students to the level that will be paramount in regaining the full accreditation status in the Hickman Mills C-1 School District.” Teachers were put in a difficult position of either leaving the schools or staying and actually helping students out. Ruskin social studies teacher Kevin Scharlau said he’s not
going anywhere. “Its a tough position for the students and the standardized tests that they have to take,” Scharlau said. He said that teachers need to teach students the skills they need to be successful on the test. “If everyone does what they are supposed to do, then everything will be fine,” business teacher Will O’Brien said, indicating that there was a lot
of pressure on teachers for their students to succeed. To improve, Williams said we need every student to give 100% when taking those tests to show that students are making progress and achieving at high levels. Ryerson agrees. “Students need to take their academics more seriously,” Ryerson said. “Our staff needs to be more consistent in their teaching, and our staff and
2012 APR - Road to Provisional Accreditation MSIP Standard/Indicator
Met/Not Met
9.1*1 MAP Grades 3-5 Mathematics Met 9.1*2 MAP Grades 3-5 Communication Arts
Not Met
9.1*3 MAP Grades 6-8 Mathematics Not Met 9.1*4 MAP Grades 6-8 Communication Arts
Not Met
9.1*5 EOC Algebra 1 Mathematics
Not Met
9.1*6 EOC English 2 Communication Arts
Not Met
9.3 ACT
Not Met
9.4*1 Advanced Course
Met
9.4*2 Career Ed Courses
Met
9.4*3 College Placement
Met
9.4*4 Career Ed Placement
Met
9.5 Graduation Rate
Met
9.6 Attendance Rate
Met
9.7 Subgroup Achievement
Not Met
FINAL DATA - 7 POINTS
students need to hold each other accountable for everything. Students ought to expect the most out of their teachers, and teachers should expect the most out of their students.” The Districts objective is to regain two points lost under MSIP 4 and increase student achievement levels so the district attains no less than 75 percent by the end of MSIP 5. The staff is already working with the students one on one for those who struggled on their tests, and are providing them with tutoring and more academic help. Williams believes the District must focus on providing the whole student body with the best quality of education. “We will make a full recovery by focusing all our efforts on high student achievement, strategically addressing the goals and objectives aligned to the state standards,” Williams said. “In order for us to get where we need to be, we need administrators, teachers, students, parents and members of the community all engaged and involved helping the district succeed academically.” NOTE: The Hickman Mills District C-1 replaced Superintendent Dr. Williams with acting superintendent Barbara Tate on October 18, after this interview.
[NEWS]
[PAGE 4]
Three heads are better than one by Keva Harris
STAFF REPORTER
Leadership 20/20, Student Council and Youth 4 Change (Y4C) are teaming up this year to combine resources and eliminate competition between the three organizations. “This was an excellent opportunity to set three groups together with outstanding students and accomplish more in the school and community,” social studies teacher Kim Sixta said. Sixta is the school facilitator of Leadership 20/20, also known as Student Government, which began three years ago after the merger of Hickman and Ruskin. This program gives student leaders the opportunity to get ahead by preparing students for college, and instilling in them networking skills needed for post graduation. “The new combo,” Sixta said, “helps provide service and collaboration.” Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Sober, is the Youth 4 Change motto. Youth 4 Change is a non-profit organization made up of high school students and college alumni, promoting youth coming together and living above the influence in a positive light. It is headed by Hot 103.3 Jamz personality and Hickman Mills graduate Julee Jones. “Since many Y4C members are involved with other student groups it just made sense,” Jones said. Student Council is Ruskin High School’s elected group of students that are given consulting powers with our school administration. The group is headed by family and consum-
er science teacher Marla Converse. “I think it eliminates a lot of frustration and competition and we’ll get a lot more done. I just went to an adviser workshop and came up with a lot of ideas to improve our school culture and climate,” Converse said. Some students who are a part of the Trio are returning from their junior year. Seniors Maya Purse and Morgan Clark, members of all three organizations express their thoughts on this change and why they choose to be involved. “I not only feel that this is a great opportunity for us to make an impact on our school and the community, but to collab and make a difference. I’m involved because it shows I’m a leader. It also looks good on college applications and I want to make a difference, ” Purse said. “We have many different people, that have different ideas and we have a better relationship since last year, so it will be better. I joined these organizations to know what was going on in school. I wanted to be a source, to not only help people but to also meet new people,” Clark said. Presently on the agenda for Leadership 2020, Student Council and Youth 4 Change is the Natural Helpers training, where they are in training to be peer mentors at Smith Hale Elementary School. The groups also organized “Can the Principal,” where the entire student body and staff participates by bringing three cans of food to donate to the CAC. As a reward for participating, students and See “Three heads,” cont. on pg. 5
Seniors Ahleisha Hergins and Imari Faceson look over college brochures during one of the many college visits at Ruskin.
College comes to Ruskin By Imunique Swinton
ACTING MANAGING EDITOR
Students at Ruskin High School are getting a sneak peek at a variety of colleges during the many visits held at the high school this fall. The visits allow students to get their questions answered to help decide what school they’re planning to attend after high school. During different days of the week, different colleges come to visit Ruskin in the media center, such as Pittsburg State University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Kansas State University, Washburn University, Central Methodist University and many more. Students find different schools they’re interested in and get help with complications they may have approaching the college campus. The speaker from the college explains to the students what their college has to offer. Tiffany Segers, the college counselor at Ruskin, plans the events hoping that it will make a difference on how students look at college life. “My goal in the end of this whole process is to help students figure out steps they can take in life,” Segers said. Despite her help, will the students actually try to take that extra step to make it in life?
“I will push a student as far as they’re willing to go,” Segers said. “I will take that extra step let alone the extra mile just to push a student to make it in life.” Although there are no hands-on activities at the events, the students still get good information. The students also learn about financial aid, and scholarships. Some students are also looking for additional information. “I wish we could have learned more about tuition,” Alisha Hollister said. Many students also wish that the visits were longer. “If the visits were longer we would be able to understand more about what's actually going on,” Monet Loggins said. The visits may pay off for some students in the end, but their journey as yet to begin. The challenges they're willing to face in order to take that extra step in life have yet to come. Senior Alexandra McCurry talks with a college representative during a college visit.
[OPINION/NEWS]
[PAGE 5]
Choose one; make a change and vote by Keva Harris STAFF REPORTER
We all remember the excitement, the anticipation, the eagerness to have an African American take office in the White House? He would appear riding on a pony handing out jobs like Oprah handed out cars. Shaping our economy from a frown to a smile, Obama would be the one who would teach us how to love, like Lil Wayne said. After experiencing trust issues with previous presidents, like Drake did, he would come and sweep us off of our feet. On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama became the first African American male to possibly grant those dreams. And
now, four years later we are in rights? With the guys America the process of electing our pres- picks, I’d rather date myself. I’d rather be the blind man ident again. who says, “If I’m blind why Obama is running for rewould I buy sunglasses?” but election, but what great acin the end, realizes that the complishments has he made ultraviolet radiation that would make from any light, most America want him significantly from back. Are we still in the sun, causes intense debt? Are bills still not pain to a blind man’s paid? Is the economy eye. still going under? Is So who do you Obama full of false Keva Harris vote for when neither promises like a middle presidential candidate school class president? Maybe the 70th Governor is floating your boat? The anof Massachusetts could possi- swer is simple you either A) Let your boat sink, B) Jump bly answer these inquiries? Mitt Romney, the raging overboard with the sharks C) lunatic...I mean...a Republi- Kill yourself or D) All of the can, who wants to not only take above. Because deciding to away birth control, but financial take a stance and not vote on aid, food stamps and women’s the grounds that neither presi-
Opinion
“Can” the Principal
“Three heads,” cont. from pg. 2
staff can dress down for that day. During October’s Breast Cancer awareness month, students promoted breast cancer awareness, shared information on the disease and provided greater access to services concerning getting tested.Lastly, they will also be hosting Ruskin High School’s first mock presidential election in conjunction with the upcoming presidential election. Anyone interested in joining any of these organizations, or who wants more information can stop by room 112 and see Sixta.
dential candidate sways you is not the realistic way to go. Selecting a president to be the leader of our country cannot be based on personal immaturities such as what keeps your boat afloat. A president is elected to run a country. Vote for the man with the credentials to advance America. The only way democracy works is if citizens, young and old, are active participants. Let’s not choose to be like the blind man on election day and wait too late to make a difference. And besides, if you don’t vote you really have no right to complain about government decisions you don’t like. As for Keva, she’s not even old enough to vote!
Stacks of cans filled the doors of RHS Principal Chad Ryerson’s office, as Ruskin High School supported the Community Assistance Council in its efforts to bring food to the needy in the south of Kansas City. Students and staff donated thousands of cans of food during the three-week drive and for their efforts, got to dress down on Fridays. “The students came through once again,” Ryerson said. “The spent about five hours boxing up the food out of my office.” Copy by Erika Garner. Photo by Mariah Fitzhugh.
Eagle’s Eye Editorial Policy
Do you have a comment on this or another article? We welcome your letters to the editor. See guidelines below. A. Forum. Eagle’s Eye News is the official student-produced medium of news and information published/produced by Ruskin High School’s Eagle’s Eye News staff members. The Eagle’s Eye News has been established as a designated public forum for student expression used to inform, educate and entertain its readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to its audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publi-
cation or distribution. The content of Eagle’s Eye News is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials, the school, the Hickman Mills C-1 School District or any of its affiliates. Advisers may – and should – coach and discuss content – during the writing process. The Eagle’s Eye will print as many letters to the editor as space allows each issue. The Eagle’s Eye reserves the right not to print a letter. B. Format. All letters to the editor
must include the writer’s name, signature and class or position. Typed, double-space letters are preferred, but legible, hand-written letters are acceptable. All letters must be signed. C. Limitations. Letters should be limited to approximately 300 words, or about one-and-a-half double-spaced, typewritten pages. D. Editing. Letters to the editor will not be edited, except in rare cases to prevent legal liability (libel, obscenity, invasion of
privacy, etc.), to edit material that is in poor taste, or to fit space requirements. E. Address. Letters should be addressed to the editor, placed in an envelope and mailed to Eagle’s Eye c/o Ruskin High School; emailed to eagleseye@ ruskinnews.com, placed in Mrs. Williams’ mail box in the main office or hand-delivered to Room 102.
[FEATURE]
[PAGE 6]
Credit for the Cafeteria By Shacoya Jones STAFF REPORTER
the cafeteria staff is well put together,” Robin Bowens said.
Many Ruskin students complain about not having enough varieties of foods, the shortage of foods and the overly crowded area in the Ruskin cafeteria. Although students are quick to blame RHS cafeteria E a c h staff for all these issues they m e m b e r have, there are actually un- of the known circumstances that they cafeteria The rushing crowd fighting to get into fourth lunch shift, have to face that is challenging team, each could possible be a mistake that for them. have their own duties that they Cafeteria manager Robin are responsible for to make sure was made on the stock list. ExBowens said they are trying everything runs more smoothly. ample, one of those items being left out when they get received. a new menu that follows the An example On the other end, students federal govshe gave was say that it’s overly crowded in ernment’s new a “runner.” A certain lunch shifts. Mostly first guidelines. She runner is reand fourth lunch are well over said that the sponsible for capacity in some students opinwhole point of food orders ions. A handful of students from the menu was to and making fourth lunch say that it upsets prevent students sure there is them when they walk in having from eating so enough food to to wait in those long lines and much junk by give out. Their when they finally make it all the adding more also in charge good choices are all gone.Can nutritious foods of keeping you really blame the lunch staff to the menu. track of the for that? For example, food. Overall, the cafeteria staff more vegeta“Orderis doing their extremely best bles and more ing the food is to provide students with all the grain. Bowens very important nutritious foods students need, also added that and it sucks foods students love and foods though there are when we do that meet certain expectation, some food regu- Cafeteria manager, Robin Bowens not receive but at the end of the day it’s all lations that they everything that put in the hands of the higher do indeed have to was placed on power. follow, she would love to take our order,” She added. The rush before the feast. any suggestions from students Not getting evhere on any foods that is more erything that was favorable to them. If some of specifically ordered these suggestions meet govern- usually leads to the ment guidelines Bowens says shortage of food that she would love to include them many students have in the menu.Students have said complained about. that they would like to have That answers more food options or choices the always asked during their lunch. Some even question “Is financial said they would like to have the problems the issue choice of ordering food outside on why we run out of the school too. Yet, this is only food by time 3rd and up to the higher power. 4th lunch shift hits?” “Our organizations with Now we know that it
Eagle’s Eye 2012-13 Staff Senior McKaela Cooper Co-Editor-in-Chief Senior Erika Garner Co-Editor-in-Chief Junior Shacoya Jones Managing Editor Senior Rogelio Ayala Online Editor Senior Alexus Sun News Editor Senior Keva Harris Staff Reporter Junior Jasmine Wiley Features Editor Junior Kiana Johnson Sports Editor Junior I’mUnique Swinton Opinion Editor Junior D’Anute Dixon Staff Reporter Junior Tyrell Bolden Wilson Staff Reporter
Latest News at your Fingertips
ruskinnews.com All the news you want to read. Written about students, for students, by students!
[FEATURES]
[PAGE 7]
Multiple jobs, hard worker By Erika Garner CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Known for her giving spirit, Ruskin High School Social Studies teacher Kim Sixta said she likes teaching. “I like being with the students,” Sixta said. Staying dedicated to teaching students knowledge, Sixta has been t e a c h ing for 15 years. She has taught all types of social studies classes, but is currently teaching government and the school’s Leadership 20/20 class. She enjoys being in charge of the leadership classes. “I get to work with stu-
dents who are exciting to be with and want to be a part of changes,” she said. Not only is Sixta in charge of the leadership classes,she’s also is in charge of homecoming at Ruskin every year. She said one of the things she loves about homecoming is seeing the Kim Sixta girls all dressed up in their Sixta tries to help students formal with that focus by planning her gowns. schedule every day. Help“Every minute of every ing studay is planned, it’s like chored e n t s strive for ography,” she said. It’s no doubt that Sixta is a excellence, Sixta gives advice hard worker, and likes to help to students to stay focused with students strive for excellence. their classes every day. She is always doing her best to “Their education is one make students understand the thing no one can take away importance of getting a good from them,” Sixta said. “So education and how it will lead they should try to be the best them to success. they can be.”
Teacher
Feature
YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW ONLY $60* for a Lifetime of Memories
Pick up order form in Room 102 or order online at Balfour.com *price goes up Dec. 20
[HOMECOMING 2012]
C a n didates were nomiSTAFF REPORTER nated by D u r i n g fall school Ruskin’s Homeorganizacoming football tions and game held Frivoted on day, Sept. 28, the by students candidates lined that attend up to wait for Ruskin. their names to be Clark called. The faces said she some of the can- Second-Runner-Up Queen Morgan was happy Clark and her sister, Sophomore Prindidates expressed cess Madison Clark, after the annoce- that she won told their story. ments were made. homecomInfluenced by the ing princess crowd, the candidates bright- and enjoyed competing for the ened up and let their emotions title with her friends. get the best of them and showed “I didn’t care about runtheir smiles as announcers ning against my friends. My called their names and they main focus was to WIN!” Clark walked down the track. said. The 2012 King and Queen Winning was a focus for seemed shocked when they everyone. heard their names called. Queen The Ruskin Eagles FootDaijah Porchia joined King ball Team also started with Joshua Butler to reign over their heads on strong, tieing the the Homecoming game. Com- game against the Truman Patripleting their court was First ots early in the first quarter. By Runner-up Alexus Sun, Second halftime, the Patriots had taken Runner-up Morgan Clark, Ju- the lead and the Eagles would nior Princess Dominique Chea- not get close again, losing 35tum, and Sophomore Princess 15. Madison Clark. Ruskin social studies Other nominees included: teacher Kim Sixta, in charge seniors queen candidates: Imari of the Homecoming events, Faceson, Sena Ford, Staysha said her main focus during the Hampton, Alex Hardy, Aleisha crowning ceremony was “makHergins, Breyana Mack, Rose ing sure the candidates knew Bertine Mercier, Maya Purse, what was going on, making Mickell Tolbert, Felicia Uche, sure everything was together and Cereena White. Senior and organized.” king candidates were Devin Sixta said that the sound Bolen, Kiestan Burrell, Kevin system at the field is always a Brown, Tailor Greer, Trevon challenge. McGee, and Ian Sisson. Junior “In 15 years, Homecoming princess candidates were Jhane has never turned out how it was Davis, Jiymaih Jordan, Guadal- planned, but it was fine,” Sixta upe Miranda, Talia Nelson, and said. Kamika Ward. And Sophomore After the game, students princess candidates were Cierra went to the Luau dance in the Cofield, Annis Lucas, and Asia RHS Cafeteria to enjoy themEwing. selves for the evening. Some By I’mUnique Swinton
[PAGE 8] students complained that it was too hot and that some students were not behaving appropriately. Despite all the struggles and misunderstanding that happened during the process, the event turned out to be a very great event and all candidates were happy whether they were elected or not.
King Joshua Butler and Queen Daijah Porchia.
Homecomin Keeps the Night
Gol
[HOMECOMING 2012]
SP IRIT By Jasmine Wiley
[PAGE 9]
Eagle Style
lden
Despite the Eagle football team’s 35-15 loss, Homecoming spirit shined through. First-Runner Up Queen Alexus Sun, Junior Princess Dominique Cheatum, King Joshua Butler, Queen Daijah Porshia, Second-Runner-Up Queen Morgan Clark, Sophomore Princess Madison Clark show their big smiles at the end of the crowning night.
Kelly Michale, Laura Marcell Wiley, Josh Crystal Rhodes Anderson Butler and Deante Parks
Fun in Sun Day
ng Royalty
Deante Collins
Shacoya Jones
Cristin Blunt
Super Hero Day
Frist Runner-Up Queen Alexus Sun and her father.
Shanna Buschmann Anthony Jones, Ty- Kiestan Burrell & Marcell Wiley quan Cubie & the scary masked man.
Toga Day
Dominique Cheatum and her mother after Cheatum was annoced junior homecoming princess.
Clown Day
FEATURES EDITOR
Will Williams
Sheldrick Walker & Akilah Bryan Rose Mercier
[ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]
[PAGE 10]
What’s Hot in Music - - - What’s Hot in Music - - -
By Erika Garner ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
No. 1 on the R&B/ Hip Hop charts Give it up for Miguel for making his third No.1 R&B hit on the R&B/HipHop Charts with his single “Adorn.” This follows his other hit singles, “Sure Thing” (from his 2010 album “All I want is you”) and “Flower Bomb,” (in which he was featured in rapper Wales “Ambition” album). The 25-year-old R&B singer has made his third 1# hit “Adorn” become an addict to listeners with his choice of words and his smooth voice, charging in at 190,000 downloads and becoming the 1# single in radio airplays according to Nielsen BDS Radio Charts. The R&B single gives a mysterious meaning on how someone giving love to someone can make beauty among them, and make them become happy. The hit single is on one of the first songs of Miguel’s upcoming album “Kaleidoscopes Dreams.” In an interview with MTV, Miguel opens up about his new album and tells MTV that he
wants to discuss a more personal side to his music. “The first album, ‘All I Want Is You,’ revolved so much around my romantic experience. I’ve had three major relationships; each one of my girlfriends kind of taught me something new,” Miguel said. “This time around, I wanted to discuss more of my perspective of life — not necessarily with the opposite sex, and I do that on the album as well, but the majority of the album, I would say, is about my life.” Although his album has not yet been released, Miguel is not making his fans wait any longer, releasing two preview EP’s, with 3 THREE songs, “Do you,” “Kaleidoscope dream,” and “The Thrill.” Miguel tells MTV that it allows everyone to appreciate the music in a different way. “We are releasing the album in a really innovative, creative way. So it allows everyone to appreciate the music in a different way and just kind of digest it slowly. I think it’s really important. We are bombarded with information all the time, and it’s so easy… good music gets lost in the shuffle because there’s so much out there, so I wanted to give its land of like courses in a meal,” Miguel said.
Miguel “Adorn”
No. 1 on album chart Known for his frantic twostep and throwing his hands in the air, 2Chainz has topped the Billboards 200 Album Chart with his debut album “Based On a T.R.U. Story,” which has sold over 288,000 copies since its release in August, according to Nielsen Sound Scan. The album features Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, The Dream, Mike Poisoner, and John Legend. 2Chainz is one of two acts this year to start at No.1 with a debut album followed by One Direction (“Up all Night” ), and Jack White (“Blunderbuss”). In an interview with “Vibe” magazine, the 35-year-old rapper talks about his new album “Based on a T.R.U. Story,” and shares his thoughts on the sound he wanted to interpret when recording his new album. “I like to make people move and react in different ways. I like for people to have fun and that comes out in the music,” said 2Chainz, a stage name for the artist’s real name Tauheed Epps. Not backing down in letting the world know who he
is as an artist, 2Chainz tells “Vibe” that he has sounds for days. “I am sound driven. I love to be witty with the lyrics,” he said. Despite being a millionaire, 2Chainz tells “Hip Hop Magazine” that he was just an ordinary person in Georgia who just liked to rap about jewelry. “I always talked about jewelry,” said 2Chainz, ”and I always been saying two chains in a lot of my songs,” he said. Making his way into stardom back in 2007, 2Chainz tells the magazine that being a part of “Duffle Bag Boyz” was just a peek of his future and despite having a previous album with the group, he believes this year is his moment in music after signing to DTP/Island Def Jams. Since becoming a multimillionaire in the music industry, 2Chainz has made 10 No.1 hit singles on the R&B/Hip Hop Charts and is top his No. 1 solo debut album on Billboard's 200 Albums. In an interview with 95.1 Kiss FM he tells how he got this far. “A lot of times when I speak on things that happen for my success I say, it’s God’s plan,” he said. 2Chainz believes that the ultimate key to success is through prayer. “I pray a lot. When you pray a lot you speak things into existence, when you believe as strong as I do, it changes your life,” said 2Chainz.
2Chainz
“Based On A T.R.U. Story”
[ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]
[PAGE 11]
What’s Hot in Music - - - What’s Hot in Music - - -
No. 1 on Billboards Hot 100 Maroon 5 did it once again, topping the billboard hot 100 charts with the their hit single “One More Night,” from their new album “Expose.” It follows their 2007 hit single “Makes me Wonder,” and this year’s song “Move like Jagger.” “One more Night” has become a franchise song all over the country reaching 192,000 in downloads and selling $1.4 million since its release, according Nielsen Sound Scan. The hit single has surged the radio airplays 17% and has been played on-demand 705,000 times according to Nielsen BDS Radio Charts. “One More Night” plays an influential reggae beat that talks about a couple who is at war with each other and wants to end the relationship, but their mind and body are playing tricks on them. Not only has Maroon 5’s hit single “One More Night” become an overnight success, so has it’s new album “Expose;” selling four million copies in the United States and eight million copies worldwide.
In an interview with “Rolling Stone” magazine, band leader Adam Levine describes “Expose” as creative. “Expose is one of our diverse and poppiest albums yet,” Levine said. Guitarist James Valentine tells ‘Rolling Stone’ what type of sound the group wanted to interpret in their album. “‘Moves like Jagger’ was the first time we ever worked with an outside writer, so we decided to try it some more on this record,” Valentine said. “At this point in our career, I think it was a good thing to completely mix up our process and it yielded good results, as well as a more collaborative spirit within the band. We wanted to make something that sounded contemporary with the elements of a lot of early eras of pop music.” Selling four million copies in the U.S. and eight million worldwide, and being No. 1on Billboards Hot 100 Charts, Maroon 5 becomes the hottest band in America!
Maroon 5 “One More Night”
No. 1 on Dance Chart Nicki Minaj tops the Billboard Dance Chart once again with her smash hit “Pound the alarm.” followed by “Starships,” and “Turn me on” from her album “Pink Friday: Roman Reload,” which was released back in April. The pop song plays different genres of music such as electronic dance, house-pop and rap, and gives listeners a sound of alarms, and weaving beats. “Pound The Alarm,” has become one of the fastest rising singles in U.K. history followed by the U.S., rising 118 spots on the charts in 14 days. The hit song has made
platinum in Austria, and gold in New Zealand and the U.S.A., making Minaj the highest female chart rapper in music history, according to Billboards. The Hip Hop mega superstar not only has made success on her “ Pound The Alarm” single, but also succeeded in making $1 million dollars in sales for her “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” album, world wide according to Nielsen Soundscan. And, she has become the first female solo artist to have seven singles on the Billboard’s Hot 100 Charts with her new album “Pink Friday: Roman Reload.” Minaj has been credited for having one of the best selling songs from her hit single “Super Bass,” which sold 4 million copies in the U.S. In an interview with MTV, Minaj describes her album as ‘fun’ and tells MTV that she wanted to change up her style in her “Pink Friday” album from her previous album. “My first album was too revealing and too emotional at times, so in this album I wanted to make my album be fun,” Minaj said. Minaj has sure made her album fun, making $1 million dollars worldwide and making platinum for both of her hits “Super Bass” and “Pound the Alarm” From her album “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” becoming the first solo act to have seven singles on the Billboards hot 100 Charts, Nicki Minaj has become a popular figure in the hip hop industry.
Nicki Minaj “Pound The Alarm”
Dennis Smith Inside/Outside Contractor Call (816) 278-8037
[V AA L TE UN RT IENSE] ’ S S P E C I A L ] FE
What’s
[PAGE 12]
HOT in Fashion for
ByShacoya Jones STAFF REPORTER
Sophmore Kevonna Ward strunting fall fashion style.
FALL
Styles, new trends, varieties, colors, stores, clothing brands all come together to make up your own hot style. her What makes your style you? What makes other styles horrible mistakes? What styles are here to stay and what styles need to go? Senior Shawnta Oswald said, “Just being yourself and making your style you is what really makes your style a fashion ‘do.’ I like to keep my style a little simple.” Oswald said clothing stores like Forever 21, JCPenney’s and Hollister help make up her
Senior Caprice Byers (left) and sophmore Ronique Gause (right) both show off their short-long skirts, a hot new fashion trend.
Senior Marcell Wiley rocking his “HustleTrees” t-shirt.
style. On the other hand, Oswald said, “Clothes like Fubu and Rocawear are Juniors Nicole Shelton (left) and Khadijat Badejo so out of style!” (right) show off their blazers. And she would lutely hate those gouche pants never be caught in that. and those big belts around the Junior Khadijat Badejo stomach and both say that they said she likes stores like Urban wouldn’t be caught dead in that. Outfitters, H&M, JCPenney’s, Meanand Macy’s and while, junior even gets some Emmanuel of her ideas Campbell from items says the one from the thrift thing he likes store. to wear is his “I like Nike hoodthese stores ies. He also because they said that, have a different “Nike variety of fashwill never be ion, styles and out of style vibrant colors,” and he will Badejo said. always conShe also tinue to wear added that it.” “shopping at Junior David Norton in his all Adidas outfit He adds, places from from head to toe. “All Nike Macy’s to the clothes, thrift store helps show the difshoes or socks are comfortable ferent styles of me.” and tight so the price is worth Both Oswald and Badejo it.” both agree that they abso-
[SPORTS]
[PAGE 13]
In It To Win It.
The varsity soccer players Brian Oguanuo, Toby Christensen, & Robert Johnson lll put on a fight to make sure the other team didn’t score a goal on their goalkeeper Sergio Moreno. The soccer team put on a good fight this season, they played with their heads on strong with their mind set to win. They played as a family and pushed each other to try hard. “We played our best I believe we were a tough team,” Victor Maldonado said. Copy by I’mUnique Swinton. Photo by Rickie Wiley.
Bringing spirit. Cheerlead-
ers Ebony Baily, Alexus Sun, Crystal Whitaker, Autumn Cheatham, Jhane Davis, Carson Williams, and Alysia Sims all join together as a team and cheer at the RHS Homecoming football game. These girls are pumped and ready to cheer for the big crowd. Their practices are intense and in order for them to be successful they have to work extra hard to look and sound good! “We practice from after school till five and we’re always busy during practice. We are never sitting around bored with nothing to do,” senior Alexus Sun said. Copy by McKaela Cooper. Photo By Antonique Daniels
Run hard. Fresh-
man Ryan Martinez, senior Tailor Greer, senior Wessley Turner, junior Shayhiem Zachary, and senior Ramiro Palomares practice running on the track. Cross Country is a running sport that requires you to run two to five miles. This season the Eagles had lots of freshman and juniors. “We have a really young team and if they all return we will have a really good season,” Varsity Coach Carla Sole said. Copy by Kiana Johnson. Photo By Antonique Daniels
[V SA PL O ERNT TSI] N E’S SPECIAL]
[PAGE 12 4]
Eagle Football Ends Tough Season By Kiana Marie Johnson SPORTS EDITOR
The Ruskin football team struggled to win a game this season finishing with a record of 0-10. The season started off with a lot of school spirit, The first game, the stands were filled with a lot of fans and proud parents. As the season progressed, the stands started getting more empty as many students said they feel depressed and embarrassed with their Eagles losing season. Varsity head coach Matt Sullivian said he tried to make the team better through repetition and defining his expectations. Unfortunately it hasn't led to a win. “The games are going wrong because lack of execution and plays,” Sullivan said. “I'm trying to reach numbers and build a team that is tough and physical.” The Eagles players went out on the field every Friday night not knowing the outcome of what's would happen. Many
players were injured this season. One player, Charles Wiley, tore his tendon in his ankle and could not play for the rest of the season. Another player, Terrello Holden, injured his shoulder. Although the Eagles struggled to win their games, they did win their Jamboree contest. One player that Sullivan said benefits the team is senior Sheldrick Walker. “I think I benefit the team by bringing intensity, excitement, and leadership,” Walker said. A few players had something to say about this season. “It was more like a learning season since we had to change coaches often. In the future it’ll be a team you wouldn't want
Photo By: Sheanta Taylor
to mess with,” senior Marcell Wiley said Senior Kaymon Lunn said the season was not what they expected. “We would have loved for more people to come out and play, but we dealt with what we had,” Lunn said Senior Kestian Burrell said he thought they should have been better. “I think we could have done a lot better with our new coach,” Burrell said. “I think the younger class is going to do way better than the senior class.” Junior Precious Awopetu agreed.
“It was alright. We had our ups and downs but overall we will do better next year,” Awopetu said. Several juniors said they were excited for next year’s team. “We could have done better, but we played hard and tried our best,” junior John Brown said. I can’t wait until next year!” Senior Robert Wilson said he is wishing next year’s team good luck. “Things didn't go as planned. Hopefully, they do better next year,”senior Robert Wilson said.
Girl Softball Had Hard This Season By Kiana Marie Johnson SPORTS EDITOR
The Ruskin Girls Softball Team worked hard this season trying to build a tough team. “If you want to play softball and be good at it, you have to start at a young age, and work really hard at it,” Softball Coach James Hunsaker said. Softball is a game that some people take seriously, and some people don’t take seriously. The girls’ softball team at Ruskin is off to a good season with a record of 0-16. The Eagles are trying to build character and team unity in order to be competitive with other schools. The Eagles planned on achieving their goal by trying to get better every single day by practicing more in the off-season. Although all teams had difficult problems, the Eagles only had one major problem and that is that the girls’ dont play during the summer so it is hard to compete against teams whose girls might play up to 100 games during the spring/summer. “The team has to motivate themselves. if they don’t want to play, they won’t get better because they won’t put in the effort,” Hunsaker said.
Senior Cireena White is focusing on her aim and ready to hit the ball.
[SPORTS]
[PAGE 15]
Focus and Swing
gap, but we make them practice, practice, practice, until they understand and learn how to play tennis, and improve on their tennis skills.” Despite the team’s challenges Newsome said he likes coaching for the tennis team. “I like training them on how to play and pushing them to do better,” Newsome said. A c c o r d ing Shanna Buschmann, playing tennis is exciting. “It’s chalSophomore Schreen Klan lenging and fun,” serves the ball during a tennis match. Buschmann said. “You have to keep By Erika Garner the ball in play, learn to hit it on STAFF REPORTER the baseline and learn your opThis year’s Ruskin Ten- ponent’s weaknesses.” Playing for three years, nis Team had some downfalls this season, but the team is Buschmann said that she has not backing down. Believing accomplished great things when playing tenin themselves and nis. each other, the team Varsity Team “I have acis striving for better. Shanna Bushmann complished being Assistant Tanesha Iverson the number one Coach Vick Newplayer on the tensome said that the LaDasha Davis nis team,” Bustennis team has acFelicia Titalangha chmann said. complish certain Sheresse Brown Not only does things since workBuschmann enjoy ing together. playing tennis, so “They work J.V. Team does her teammate hard when they Asia Ewing Shareesse Brown. compete regardless Schreen Khan “I joined the if they wIn or not,” tennis team beCarmin Mason Newsome said. cause it sounded This year’s tenTaniesha Sanders like fun and my nis team faced some Brianna Samuel friends asked me challenges, winning Quanaya McNeal to,” Brown said. only one match. She said she “Some players hopes to accomplish a lot this come in late without knowing how to play tennis, while year. “If I make it past districts, there are others who had some type of experience in playing,” I would definitely play tennis in Newsome said. “So it’s a big college,” Brown said.
(Left to right) Jasity Strong, Destiny Ward, La’Rae Jackson, Jasmine Martin, Tyanna Dawkins, Brittany Carr, Alexus Jackson, Nicole Shelton, and Kevonna Ward
Dance Team Adds JV By Alexus Sun NEWS EDITOR
Ruskin High School’s Dance Team now has a 2012-2013 Junior Varsity and a Varsity team which is different this year because there had only been one team last year. “I think it is awesome that we have a lot of girls because it’s a big team,” Dance Team Coach Nicole Ruiz said. “We have 32 girls and there are strict rules enforced to keep things organized.” Senior Zenobia Morris, who dances on the Varsity Team, said she thinks having two team is cool. “I just wish Varsity could dance at the Varsity games and JV dance at the JV games,” Morris said. Both dance teams practice three times a week and work hard to master their routines. Junior I’mUnique Swinton dances on the JV team and said sometimes practices are intense. ”It depends because on days we don’t listen, we have to run,” Swinton said. Morris said she doesn’t think there are enough practices for them to be as good as she wishes they were. There can be challenges to having so many girls on one team, but Swinton said that some of the girls look up to each other as sisters and work as a team. ”We get along well together even though some girls on the team don’t get along personally,” Swinton said. “I am learning to become more patient and organized.” Morris disagrees. “We don’t get along at all,” Morris said. Both Junior Varsity and Varsity Dance teams perform at Varsity football games together during halftime. October 12, which was senior night, their last performance together on the football field this season. Their next performance will be this upcoming basketball season.
The Eagle’s Eye Ruskin High School 7000 E. 111th St. Kansas City, MO 64134
“Seniors,” cont. from front cover of myself because I made it through all four years of high school,” Briana Gwin said. Senior Christopher Westmoreland agreed. “I felt good because I’ve been waiting my whole life to
become a senior,” Westmoreland said. Before the game, there was a big tailgate for all students, parents and fans. Everyone enjoyed hot dogs, chips and drinks to prepare to cheer on the Eagle
Football team. “The tailgate was fun because I was being seen as a senior and I looked beautiful that night,” Gwin said. LINC, the Local Investment Commission, and the Hickman Mills C-1 School District sponsored Family Night-
“Hair” Is Calling My Name
The cast of Hair posed for a promotional photo in costumes and in character. From top to behind, left to right Shawnna harrison, Taariq Hall, Lazanay Wandick, DeCorey Forshee-Harris, Veronica Cayer, Jiamyiah Jordan, Jason Chans, Cherie Ramsey, Brinisha McIntosh, Hershel rockett, Joete’ Grayson, Daijah Porchia, Cindy Minjivar, Tailor Greer, Dalton Wooldridge, Dylan Bench, Ariele Winston, Alexander Arnold, Itohan Amayo, Crystal Rhodes, Akilah Bryan, Rhiannon Hinle. According to Tams-Witmark, the show’s licencee, “HAIR puts rock music and the culture that went with it on stage. The show has a strong effect on everyone, and acts as a bridge between generations and viewpoints. Phenomenal musical numbers include Aquarius, Good Morning Starshine, I Believe in Love, Hair, I Got Life, What a Piece of Work Is Man and Hippie Life. This show has a vitality, a timelessness and a meaning that outlives the late 1960’s and early 1970’s in America.” The Hair cast members are rehearsing daily to prepare for the fall musical they are showcasing on November 15, 16, and 17. Students will see the show during the afternoon of Nov. 15; the public is invited to the 7:30 p.m. performances on Nov. 16 and 17. Photos By JoeTay Grayson.
Lights On before the game. LINC is the largest provider of before-and after-school child care in the Kansas City area. In honor of the seniors, the LINC drill team, Ruskin’s Golden Eagle Marching Band and Ruskin’s Dance Team performed during halftime at the football game. “It was great because I enjoyed everybody coming together and having a great time,” Gwin said. The LINC organization also came together before the football line-up for a balloon lift to encourage the football players before their last home game. “It was nice and it was great to see all the younger kids coming together and being involved in school activities,” Westmoreland said. The Ruskin Eagles Football Team lost to the Lee’s Summit West Titans 50-6, but that didn’t dampen the senior spirit. “It was still very fun. I got to stand alongside a bunch of my friends and had the opportunity to be noticed as a senior,” Westmoreland said. Catch the latest sports scores and news at the Eagle’s Eye online
ruskinnews.com