Eagle's Eye News October Issue

Band captures awards........pg. 12

RHS Students go wild with spirit during Homecoming week ............................................pg. 9

Vol. II Issue 1 Oct. 2011 [A student publication of Ruskin High School]

[Kansas City, MO]

HOMECOMING SPIRIT FILLS RHS

by Tamara Davis NEWS EDITOR

It was a great ending to a perfect night for Homecoming of 2011. The outcome of the Homecoming dance, held on Oct. 14, was bigger than expected and the students seemed to have a wonderful time. The “Red Carpet” theme was a success. The students looked amazing, all dressed up in their attire. During the night, there were no problems and students enjoyed themselves as they danced the night away and spent time with their friends.

The best thing about the dance was that the DJ was one of the best that Ruskin has had in

years.

Unfortunately, the football team was not able to leave the field with a victory.

They started the game off great, being able to score two touchdowns in the last minute before half-time, going into the locker room with a 20-6 lead. Forrest

See “Red Carpet,” cont. on pg. 8

The class of 2012 screams with excitement during the Homecoming Pep Rally on Oct. 14. The senior class won the spirit stick for showing the most spirit during the assembly.

Students learn team building at DECA Leadership Conference Ruskin High School’s up into groups of about 10 and exercises and found out what members of DECA attended the District Fall Leadership Conference on October 12 for team building and the election of district officers. DECA members who attended the conference were Yolanda Hart-Hamilton, Chantal Ragland, Kristopher Crawford, Shawnice Murray, Kwanisa Winters, Shakilya Swinton, and Breanna Johnson.

“The students are broken Senior Shawnice Murray works with a teammate to stay on the plank during the team building activities at the conference

[ INSIDE THIS ISSUE... ] Toilet issues .........Pg. 2

Feeding frenzy ...........Pg.3

MJROTC news ..........Pg. 5

Music reviews .....Pg. 6 & 7

go through some team building exercises that are put on by Tucker Leadership Lab,” RHS DECA adviser and business teacher Simone Chambers said.

“The exercises are designed to help them develop leadership skills as well as work effectively within a group helping to achieve a common purpose or goal.”

Senior Crawford said he enjoyed working within the group.

“We had team building

FAME rehearses ....Pg. 7

RIP students, staff..Pg. 9

our strengths and weaknesses were,” Crawford said. “We were in groups and learned to help each other so our team could succeed.”

The conference helped students learn about each other and being helpful.

“I learned how to be more helpful and be responsible for what I do to help other people out,” Crawford said.

Students later gathered to hear speeches from the See “DECA,” cont. pn pg. 3

ACT academy ..........Pg. 11

Sports .......Pg. 15

[NEWS]

[PAGE 2]

Toilets all caught up? StuCo By:Denai Battee STAFF REPORTER

not be anything that can be done, “ Hairston said. “It’s too much money involved.”

Hairston also said the building’s age and location are a factor.

“Everybody around the area that we are located, causes this and other buildings to have low pressure,” Hairston said.

“We have checked the plumb-

The bathroom toilets don’t flush and that leads to daily disgusting restrooms for Ruskin’s students and staff.

When tested in one of the downstairs bathrooms, three out of eight of the toilets did not flush, or took over a minute to actually get everything to go down.

Later, when tested only one of the toilets flushed out of all of them.

“I’ve literally stood there for like two minutes with my foot on the handle and had to leave because the toilet would not flush,” said social studies teacher Kim Sixta.

“They keep telling us its a water pressure issue, but the real question is this a Kansas City depart- Toilets are full of toilet paper and personal wastes Ruskin High School bathrooms. ment issue?”

“It’s a big problem,” Head Custodian Marvin Hill said about the ing. The biggest concern is the water pressure. “This building age of this school.” is old, issue is with money.

Despite whatever time and They don’t know if the city money it takes students agree will pay or district, it costs that the bathrooms could be a $40,000,” Hill said. lot better than they are. Some Hill said that the solution students suggest that if there is that the pumps need regula- was assistance in the restrooms, tors. Principal Raymond Hair- that might make things be a ston agreed with Hill about the little cleaner. toilets being backed up and the “We need bathroom attenmoney issue. dants in the bathrooms so when “The exact solution may people make messes they will

be cleaned, not left there for days,” sophomore Kadarius Burgess said.

Other students think if there were bathroom watches every hour that the bathrooms would improve.

“If the janitors were to stop by the restrooms every hour then the bathrooms would look a lot better,” said junior Andre Walker.

While the students are looking at the custodians for bathroom cleaning help, the custodians say the students can be a part of the process.

“The bathrooms look the way the kids treat them, its all about responsibility,” custodian Guy Brown said.

“If the students could help more by cleaning daily in varies up after themselves then they would improve,” custodian Cerrie Knighten said. “There are no babies in this school. Everyone is capable of cleaning up their mess.”

All agree that the toilets need to be fixed immediately and there are other improvements that could be made.

“Our bathrooms are in need of some serious TLC,” said Sixta. “We need doors that lock, fresh coat of paint on the walls, more supplies, and better water pressure for our toilets.

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members learn at workshop

Student council members weren’t just having fun in the sun, they were busy over summer break. MASC sponsors an annual weeklong student leadership workshop on the campus of William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. Members were excited to go to this summer workshop. Why you may ask was the workshop even an event for student council? Well because they wanted to better understand what student council would be like and what student council really means RHS students Mondre Davis, Alycia Sims, Lavashia Parker, Staysha Hampton, Marquon Morton, Maya Purse, Jennifer Olidebe, Erica Jackson, LeAundre Williams, Tachea Griddine were lucky enough to attend the conference, along with StuCo Adviser Marla Converse. Students say they wanted to be in student council for a variety of reasons.

“I really wanted to make our school better,” Ford said.

One way student council members can improve the school is being active. They voted Staysha Hampton out of 11 members as being the most active student council member.

“I think Staysha is the most active because she attends all of our meetings and she’s just very cooperative with everyone,” Breanna Johnson said The workshop featured opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and the See “StuCo,” cont. on pg. 13

[NEWS

[PAGE 3]

Feeding Frenzy Dozens of staff and students at Ruskin High School lined up at the principal’s office each morning Sept. 26 - Oct. 7.

But, they weren’t in any kind of trouble. They were meeting principal Chad Ryerson’s challenge to bring in food for the local area’s needy.

Student Council, Y4C and Leadership 20/20 led the rest of the student body in a “Can the Principal” drive asking every student to bring in at least four cans or non-perishable food items.

The group collected an office-full of food, reaching their goal to stuff Ryerson’s office so that he wouldn’t be able to work in that space. Ryerson offered a “dress down day” on both Fridays to every student who met the challenge. Hun-

dreds of students who donated food had a chance to wear jeans and appropriate “street clothes” rather than their school uniform to school on those days.

“It’s a great way to reward kids for doing something great for our community and it will help many others,” Ryerson said.

Every Hickman Mills C-1 building was in on the food drive for the Community Assistance Council (CAC), a partnership between the school district and the Each 1 Reach 1 Community Ministry Task Force, a coalition of schools, churches and neighborhood groups in south Kansas City.

The CAC assists families throughout Hickman Mills, Ruskin Heights and other school district neighborhoods.

Journalism gets grant

Sonic representatives present a symbol of the $474 grant to Laura Williams in Ruskin’s Media Center as her journalism students cheer.

By Victoria Ojeda STAFF REPORTER

Sonic is not only giving out slushies, they’re also giving out grants.

Laura Williams, Journalism Teacher at Ruskin High School was presented with one of them on Thursday, Sept. 1.

“I was super surprised

when I was called and told I won the grant. So many people applied,” Williams said.

Williams used the grant to purchase a professional audio recorder for her students.

“I wrote up the request so students could use it for interviews and capture good audio for the schools new website,”

Above: Assistant Principal John Miller and Principal Chad Ryerson attempt to continue a normal work routine as Ryerson’s office is overflowing with canned goods donated by RHS staff and students.

Below: Senior Breanna Johnson (left) works hard to stack up and organize the incoming food while students Tytiana Ray and Monet Loggins (right) lined at the door to donate.

Williams said.

Her project, “Raising realworld Journalists,” was chosen through Sonic’s “Limeades for Learning” grant initiative.

“It’s been great for the students to have professional equipment to work with, and it makes it easier to transcribe direct quotes,” Williams said.

This is the third year they have sponsored this program.

In the first two years, Sonic donated more than $1.3 million to public school classrooms across the country.

“Limeades for Learning” is a partnership between Sonic and Donorschoose.org to support teachers nationwide by providing funds for learning materials and innovative teaching techniques that inspire creativity and learning.

“DECA,” cont from front cover

candidates who were running for district office. Two voting delegates from each school voted for the candidate they feel would best serve as District 3 Vice President. After votes are tallied the winner took their oath of office and officially closed the conference.

Throughout the afternoon door prizes are given according to ticket numbers students were given when they arrived in the morning. Crawford said he’s glad he joined DECA. “A friend asked me to join, she said it would be fun, and it is,” Crawford said.

Besides RHS, DECA District 3 is comprised of the Lee’s Summit schools, Grandview, Center, the Blue Springs schools, the Raytown schools, Belton, and Ray-Pec.

[NEWS]

LEARNING ABOUT FINANCIAL SUCCESS

by A’nessa Walker MANAGING EDITOR

Ruskin High School students spent a September weekend in D.C. thanks to their work producing a winning video about financial success. James Adewumi, Marcel Greger, Camille Rucker, Jaran West, Aaron Wiggins and advisor Terri Redden are all members of Ruskin High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). They came together to form one video, a video demonstrating how hope, engagement, and well-being impact financial success.

This contest was open to all high schools thoughout Missouri’s 5th District. The contest was sponsored by Missouri 5th District Congressman Emanuel Clever II and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

The purpose of creating the video was to enhance stu-

dents knowledge of leadership and banking while focusing on the importance of financial institutions and investing for the future. While in Washington D. C., they went on a tour to see several sites and meet congressmen.

The students also went to several workshops and lectures on numerous topics, including financial education, entrepreneurship and college planning.

“This experience taught me no matter what comes my way I can still get through it and be successful,” said senior West.

Although they were only there for two days, they really learned a lot.

“We really enjoyed the sites, lectures, and work shops.

It taught me that saving money and budgeting is important and they said never give up,” said senior Adewumi.

[PAGE 4]

Introducing... the 2011-12 Eagle’s Eye Staff Senior A’nessa Walker

Acting Editor-in-Chief/ Managing Editor

Senior Tamara Davis News Editor

Senior Cristina Alvarado

Photo Editor & Staff Reporter

Senior Deion Edwards Sports Editor

Senior Victoria Ojeda

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Soph. Makus Snead Staff Reporter

Senior Joe Fox Online Editor

Jaran West, Marcel Greger, James Adewumi, Camille Rucker, Aaron Wiggins

YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW

Senior Denai Battee Online News Editor

ONLY $60 for a Lifetime of Memories Pick up order form in Room 102 or oerder online at Balfour.com

Senior Zachary King

Online Sports Editor

[NEWS]

New Leader Teaches M.J.R.O.T.C Program

By Joseph Fox STAFF REPORTER

Marine Junior Reserve Officer Training Course (M.J.R.O.T.C.) is a Ruskin High School class/program that teaches students about the Marines, and many other military aspects. They have certain competitions coming up later in the year. Instructor, Master Sgt. Campbell was in the Marine Corps for 24 years before coming to teach at RHS. “I wanted to teach what I learned in the Marine Corps to students at RHS because it is very much like my old high school, Schlagle High,” Campbell said.

In M.J.R.O.T.C. this year, the students will continue learning and studying Marine Corps history. There are four different teams the students can

choose to be in: Squad Challenge, Rifle, Drill, and Color Guard. Each of the teams work during and after school on specific things.

The Squad Challenge team practices and competes in physical training courses to see how fit they really are. The physical training includes activities such as the 300 meter shuttle runs, pull-ups, sit-ups, and push-ups.

The team’s first competition is at Shawnee Mission North Nov. 30.

The Rifle Team competes to see who has the best shot with a rifle. They don’t have any competitions coming up just yet.

The Drill Team marches in formation following directions from the commander. They have certain signs that are held up to test to see the Drill team’s remembrance of the steps.

[PAGE 5]

Color Guard presents the American and state flags before pep rallies, football games, and other school events prior to the singing of the National Anthem. The RHS Color Guard is also often invited to present the colors prior to the National Anthem singing at The new leader of M.J.R.O.T.C., Master Sgt. events around the Kansas Campbell.

City metro area including Kansas Jayhawk games, an open mind,” Campbell said. and Kansas City Chiefs and Their are many student Royals games. members of M.J.R.O.T.C. at These variety of teams Ruskin High School, and many give all students somewhere to other schools. Students who are fit in within the M.J.R.O.T.C. involved say it’s a great class and Campbell says it’s easy to and it makes you a better perjoin. son.

“Anyone can join R.O.T.C., “I was just placed in but you have to go sign up with R.O.T.C., I didn’t really pick your counselor and be willing to be in here,” senior Immanuel to abide by all of the rules. You Rosa said. ”Although, I learned should come into R.O.T.C. with a lot and chose to join the Marines.”

Rosa is involved in Squad Challenge, Drill, and Color Guard. His involvement in the program is allowing him to enter the service as an officer.

“I’m really looking forward to going into the Marines, and as of now I’m ranked a Battalion Sgt. Major,” Rosa said.

Campbell encourages students to find out more about the program by stopping by his room 124 before or after school.

From inside the cool walls for RHS, one can often see M.J.R.O.T.C. members listen attentivly to Master Sgt. Campbell give instructions at an after school training session.

[ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - NEWS]

[PAGE 6]

offers al“Who run the world...” RHS ternatives to

By A’nessa Walker MANAGING EDITOR

Recording artist Beyonce Knowles’ new album “4” was dropped world-wide on June 28. The reason this album was named “4” is because her fans suggested it. Also this is her fourth solo album and the number four holds personal significance. It’s the day she was born, her mom’s birthday, and most recently, April 4, when she got married.

After recording more than 60 songs, Knowles managed to slim her wide variety down to one album. According to an interviewer from MTV news (Jocelyn Vena) Knowles’ inspiration was music pioneer Fela Kuti. Knowles told Vena that she gets a feel for the soul and heart of his music. However, Kuti wasn’t the only one that inspired Knowles. She continued to say in her inter-

view with Vena, “I also found a lot of inspiration in the 90’s R&B - Earth, Wind, and Fire, DeBarge, Lionel Richie, and Teena Marie.”

MUSIC REVIEW

Due to all her hard work and that she is an inspiring artist, Knowles came strong with her new album.

This album has songs about love, compassion, having a good time and excitement, and are full with happiness. Her best selling song on the album was “Run the World (girls)” which was written by Switch, The Dream, Shea Taylor, and Knowles.

“I heard her song ‘Run the

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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 publication 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.

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World’ and I liked it, so it made me want to listen more,” senior Alexis Johnson said.

Johnson also believes that Knowles’ new album is helping to empower women.

“All throughout her album, I felt the message was just to encourage women and that there is someone out there that will love you for you,” Johnson said.

This album sold 310,000 the first week released. It also stood at number 29 on the Top 100 Billboard Chart. But some students were unsure.

“Beyonce’s new CD was just okay to me, it could’ve been better than it was. I feel like she rushed to put an album back together since she’s been gone so long,” senior Valdore Crowder said. “But I do like it, because it’s an all around cool CD. I like how she switched up her different emotions.”

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help students succeed Ruskin High School staff and administrators are offering numerous opportunities for students who want to improve their grades and be successful in high school. Students may take advantage of the following programs: After School Tutoring Students may stay after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 4:30 p.m. for tutoring in all core classes - Communication Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Math. Students check with their teacher to find out where tutoring will be held on a specific day for a specific subject.

Homework Center The Homework Center is open in the Media Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 4:30 p.m. Students may use this as a quiet place to study and get extra, general help from staff members and student tutors.

Any student can attend on a voluntary basis, but it may be strongly recommended to students who show signs of falling behind.

Late Bus There is a late bus that takes students home at no cost on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It leaves at 4:45 p.m. There is one bus that delivers students to the Hickman-side of the District and another to the Ruskin-side of the District. Students do not need to sign up to ride the bus.

PLATO Credit Recovery PLATO is designed to serve students who have fallen See “Academics,” cont. on pg. 11

[ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]

[PAGE 7]

Students Rehearse for Fame

By Deion Edwards STAFF REPORTER

Dozens of Ruskin students are singing, dancing, and acting their tails off after school in preparation for the Fall musical FAME. Kelly Michale is directing the well-known popular show.

“I chose FAME because it is an awesome musical. I believe it will bring out the different ethnicities in Ruskin,” Michale said.

Ruskin students seem to like to watch a lot of dancing and so do the show’s actors.

“I love to act, sing, and dance. Those are my things,” junior Denai Battee said.

Battee won the lead female role of Carmen Diaz in the show. It is her first musical and she thinks the show will be great.

“I’m a little nervous, but I’m excited,” Battee said.

Senior Gavin King, who plays the male lead role Joe Ve-

gas, is also looking forward to being on stage again.

“I’m very excited, we have a great cast, the technical aspects are stellar,” said King, who will be performing in his 11th musical.

King said he got into theater by accident.

“But once I started, I

couldn’t stop,” King said.

Michale was also an avid high school actress who loved theater as a child.

“I’ve directed a total of three plays at Ruskin, but numerous plays outside around the Kansas City area,” Michael said.

FAME will be hitting the

Ruskin auditorium Oct. 20, 21 and 22. The times are 7 pm each night , tickets will be sold at the door for $5. Hickman Mills C-1 employees get in for free. The Ruskin Theatre Department will also be producing the play “Noises Off” in the spring.

Stars of the musical rehearse Including Tiffany Blake, Jason Chang, Leaundre Williams, Nyree Shears, Denai Battee, Steven Nguyen, Kevin Harris, Kyra Jones

Lil Wayne Lags On New Album “ Tha Carter 4”

By Deion Edwards STAFF REPORTER

Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter IV” has been getting a lot buzz.

It was released Aug. 29 and the album sold 964,000 in its first week.

There has been talk of Lil Wayne falling off with is flow on this new album. He has been called “The Best Rapper Alive,” but has this label gone to his head? This album is a mixture of hard rock, slow and mid-tempo songs. As I listen to the tracks I see a depression vibe coming from Wayne. A lot of the material in his songs is about death.

”Life is a b___ , and its shorter than Bushwick,” Wayne says in his song “MegaMan.” There are not too many positive points in his material.

Does Lil Wayne need a hug? Is his eight month prison sentence taking a toll on his flow?

T h e album has a couple good songs including “She Will,”

“It’s Good” and the radio banger “How To Love.” “How To Love” tells a story of a girl who has been hurt at a young age and has lost the emotion of loving.

This is a good song because a lot of young girls can relate to this song and what the girl Lil Wayne is talking about is going through.

H e ’ s

MUSIC REVIEW

been giving us crazy metaphors and crazy punchlines like “The future is right behind ya eyelids, but I don’t want to know cause I don’t like surprises,” Wayne said in his single “Blunt Blo win.” I believe this album comes up a little short to what we predicted.

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[NEWS]

[PAGE 8]

A red carpet night . . .

Continued from front cover

Wright scored the first touch down. The game then got intense when Hiram Adams intercepted for a touchdown and Sheldrick Walker recovered a fumble for a score.

“I don’t have much to say about this game but that the team has been unable to finish games this year,” Assistant Coach Matt Sullivan said. ”We play hard but after halftime we lose it. The biggest difference between Ruskin football team and the other schools’ is our commitment.”

The game ended with Ruskin having 20 and the Belton Pirates with 40.

During halftime, the winners for the queen, king, and princesses for homecoming were announced. Erica Jackson was crowned queen by 2010 homecoming queen, Brandi Mitchell.

Senior Tevin Johnney, was crowned Homecoming King. Jonnae Porter was crowned Junior Princess and Dominique Cheatem was crowned Sophomore Princess.

Right: Sophomore princess Dominique Cheatum, Queen Second runner up Taylor Foreman, Homecoming Queen Erica Jackson, Homecoming King:Tevin Johnney, Queen First runner up Brionna Banks and Junior princess Jonnae Stevenson.

Below left: Touchdown Eagles! Sheldrick Walker scores in the last minute before halftime.

Below center: The dance team practices before game time.

Below right: The supporters of the Ruskin football team enjoys themselves as they watch the Eagles fight hard to win.

Photos by Trei Brown & Tamara Davis.

Sophomore Princess

Junior Princess

Second Runner-Up Senior Princess

First Runner-Up Senior Princess

Dominique Cheatum

Jonnae Stevenson

Taylor Foreman

Brionna Banks

[NEWS]

Celebrity Day Walter Dotson and Antoinne Jones were the spitting image of Tyga and. Overall winners selected by StuCo were Forrest Wright, Dadrian Brantley, and Gavin King. Photo by A’nessa Walker.

Costume Day

Elishia Zakka and Shacara Pearson. Overall winners selected

by StuCo were Jason Rauniu and Brandon Young. Photos by A’nessa Walker.

Taylor Foreman, Demarco Ross and Tynisha McNeal.

Overall winners selected by StuCo were Sean Crawford, Zakkiya Karriem, Erin Irvin, Marshauna Randall. Photos by A’nessa Walker and C’arria Carson.

Fashion “Don’ts” Day Multiplicity Day

Corey Adams and Guy Clark.

Overall winners selected by StuCo were Chonte Woods, Jeffrey Bulter, Tevin Jonney, Erin Irvin, Tamara Davis, and Fred Kelley. Photo

by A’nessa Walker.

Eagle Pride Day

Lashada Bolton, Tevin Jonney, Vernita Hall, Sharell Cole, Thandiwa Nelson, Chelsea Fuller, Chonte Woods, and Pierre Moore. Photo by A’nessa Walker.

Homecoming King Tevin Johnney and Queen Erica Jackson. Photo by Trei Brown.

[OPINION]

[PAGE 10]

Students Gone and Forgotten

By Tamara Davis NEWS EDITOR

Students gone and forgotten is just an understatement.

Of course, we will always remember those who we lost but, unfortunately, I feel that Ruskin High School doesn’t take enough time out to recognize those students.

Since I’ve been here, I’ve lost three very close friends who attended RHS. I don’t

remember one time that the school community members have taken the time out to have a moment of silence or have done anything else to recognize those three students. This makes me very angry that we don’t acknowledge students who were well known and/or involved in some kind of activity around the school. There isn’t one student who we have lost that was a “bad” person or an individual that wasn’t a good person at heart.

I feel that it would be heart-

warming to family and friends if their loved ones were recognized more by their school, rather than forgetting about them. For the staff members who we have lost, they worked too hard around the building not to be recognized by the school community members as well. Students who we have lost were well-known because of their bright personalities or because of their hard work in their school work. I don’t think

it’s a bad thing to recognize the people, who we have lost.

They all have touched everyone in some kind of way and it hit me hard to lose those kind of people.

I plan on speaking up to the administration of RHS to see about how we can fix this problem. I think the students, as a body, should come up with something to recognize our loved ones. This will be to show that the district still holds the memories of our loved ones.

Ruskin Prom night in April of 2010. Rizson Canady, Tisharria Huggins, Shaunese Williams

Huggins scholarship foundation formed Outstanding Ruskin High School female athletes may soon have the opportunity to earn a new scholarship.

Ruskin Communication Arts teacher Kelly Michale is currently starting a scholarship fund in remembrance of former Ruskin’s ladies’ basketball coach, Tisharria Huggins. Huggins was killed on the scene after she and her husband got into a serious car wreck last February 14.

This scholarship would recognize an RHS athletic female that shows to be a hard player in all the sports that she is involved in and constantly shows good sportsmanship - all of the remarkable characteristics that Huggins displayed on a daily basis, Michale said.

“The committee is still in the planning process regarding the title,” Michale said, “but it will be something like: The Tisharria Huggins-Write AllStar scholarship.”

Michale believes that the athlete who is chosen to receive the scholarship, needs to be an all-around all-star, on and off “the court.”

The goals of the committee include raising over a thousand dollars a year for a female athlete that is graduating from RHS to start. Eventually, the scholarships would go to as many of the schools that Hug-

gins made an impact on as possible. Those schools include: Topeka West High school (her high school), Richmond High School (where her husband, Reis, teaches), Wichita State (her college), and Pittsburg State (where she coached last).

The committee wants to present this scholarship once a year at the awards ceremony in May. “I want to get the word out any way possible, including the school newspaper, announcements, word-of-mouth, and any other way or anything possible,” Michale said. “The more money we raise, the more we can give away each year.”

The committee is accepting donations all year to help build the scholarship. Any donations over $5 will receive a Tisharria Huggins-Write Memorial wrist band.

“Coach Huggins had such a big impact on everyone she met-students,teachers, administrators,” Michale said. “She was such a happy, loving, hilarious, all around amazing person.

We all loved her so very much and hope to carry her name and wonderful memories of her on forever. I hope this will have a positive impact on the school.”

Anyone can stop by room 202 at Ruskin High School and drop off their donations and pick up their wristbands.

[NEWS]

[PAGE 11]

ACT Academy Offers Higher Scores

by Joseph Fox

STAFF REPORTER

Everyone has to get a decent grade on the ACT test to get into college. There are many ways to prepare for this test, but Ruskin High School staff is making it easier for students to score well. On Oct. 13, selected students attended Ruskin’s ACT Academy.

Ruskin High School teachers worked in groups with students helping them study and learn before taking the October ACT. Some students have taken it already, but just want to get a higher score. The teachers follow the “Barrons Book,” which is a textbook on the ACT, to help guide and teach the students.

“Our main goal is to exceed the state average on the ACT and to help students score better to have brighter futures,” Assistant Principal John Her-

rera said.

Herrera is the administrator in charge of the academy and the other two options students can consider to help with the ACT on studying & learning before taking the ACT. “It’s very helpful,” senior Trei Brown said. “It Taylor Foreman, Jonta Dampier, Jessica Staples, Telisha Shepherd, Danny McQuarters take a practice math quiz at the ACT Academy in Ruskin High School’s Media Center. motivated me to study more lish, reading, and science and a refresher course, and helps for the ACT and I hope the inreasoning. It strengthens your with your test taking strategies. formation that I received will weaknesses and helps you fa- Also, it helps with the four test help me get a better score.” miliarize those four subjects. subjects.

The ACT PLATO pretest Their is another course “We want our students is for students who have never at DeVry University. It has a to have bright futures and high taken the actual ACT. That specombination of who took the scores,” Herrera said. cific pretest focuses on all the ACT already, and who is gofour areas, mathematics, Enging to take the ACT soon. It’s

“Academics,” cont. from pg. 6 behind in a required subject area. Students must be at least a freshman in high school to be enrolled. Students must be approved for placement each semester.

School within a School This is a new program for Ruskin High school designed to help students who are behind with their academics and at-risk of not graduating and dropping out. Students spend all day in a special classroom with lead teacher Greg Valenzuela and other “guest” teachers. Students must be screened and approved each semester to be in this program.

Twilight School Ruskin High School started the Twilight School program the first of last school year.

Students in the program meet after school each day to learn to transition into the GED Options Program. Students must be screened and approved for placement in this program each semester.

Brad Barbee is the administrator in charge of the afterschool programs. He has structured the learning time into two additional hours - an 8th and 9th hour. Students are to only move throughout the building during the five minute break between the hours.

Senior Jaylen Kent studying through ACT packet of information. Photo by Sharell Cole. Photo by Sharrel Cole.

[V NA EL WESN] T I N E ’ S S P E C I A L ]

[PAGE 12]

Cheers to Music!

by Cristina Alvarado STAFF REPORTER

Congratulations to 20112012 Golden Eagle Color Guard, Drum line, and Band.

At the last meet at Raytown, all three took home plaques. The indoor event won a II Rating, Color Guard indoor event got a II Rating, and Marching band also got a II Rating for their excellent performance.

Next success was in Lincoln, Neb., with RHS Marching Band winning a trophy for Most Outstanding Band in Parade Competition and also taking top prize as the Most Outstanding Band in the University’s Battle of the Bands competition.

Last but not least, success was founded at the competition in Carrollton with RHS taking home five awards. Marching Band took a 1st place award in the 5A Field Show competition. Drum line performed and received the 2nd place trophy for outstanding performance.

Color Guard performed individually, won a 2nd place trophy and was named the most outstanding auxiliary for their field performance.

Color Guard director Rachel Mayo was proud of the team’s hard work.

“Our team was really great this year,” Mayo said.

Senior Christina Crawford loves her team.

“I like to feel a part of a team and our practices are fun,” Crawford said.

Junior Mae Isidro also appreciates the practices.

“We get to learn a lot of new stuff,” Isidro said.

Drum line and Band are also to thank, without them our girls wouldn’t have a beat to move too.

Senior Jeff Butler is devoted to his drum line and band team.

“This was the best year in band,” Butler said. “We went to more competitions, competed at a high level, and came out on top. I love my drum line instructor Emily Strout, excellent band director Brent Wheeler and great band members. One Sound, One Band!”

Senior Forrest Wright also enjoyed his band and drum line days.

“Best year in band, funniest in drum line,” Wright said.

Drum Major Isla Jones, Drum Line Captain Forrest Wright, and Color Guard Captain Chonte Woods, all seniors at RHS, accept awards for their various categories at Carrollton’s Annual Band Day. The Golden Eagle Marching Band has been filling their trophy case this fall at various competitions. Submitted photo.

“Competitions were fun, I had a great time.”

Throughout the fun and games, the business still needed to be in place.

Drum Major senior Isla Jones kept it all in order.

“We always did our best in rehearsals, and at our meets.

These are great people to be around. I was glad to be Drum Major,” Jones said.

Now with Color Guard being over, Mayo is excited for Winter Guard.

“I’m really looking forward to Winter Guard, it’s more competitive because were stuck

learning one song (during Winter Guard season),” Mayo said.

“Plus the traveling is always fun. Tryouts are in November.

It’s a really fun experience.”

Isidro agrees.

“Winter Guard season is a blast. We get to travel to Illinois, and Springfield. I can’t wait till I can be captain,” Isidro said.

Winter Guard tryouts are Nov. 7 and 8 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Nov. 10 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Baptiste Educational Center Gym, 5401 E. 103rd St.

The Golden Eagle Marching Band performs at the Raytown Marching competition, taking home top place finishes. Submitted photo.

[NEWS]

[PAGE 13]

All-Star and Phenomenal Teachers

by Markus Snead STAFF REPORTER

Ruskin High School staff and students have a way to recognize outstanding teachers this year. The school’s Lead Team started monthly recognitions for teachers - All-Star Teacher and Phenomenal Classroom Teacher.

Math teacher Nicole RuizWoods was selected as the allstar teacher and Project Lead the Way teacher Todd Barney was selected the Phenomenal classroom teacher for the month of September. All of the teachers were surprised and honored.

“It makes me feel good to be acknowledge,” Ruiz said. “I try to make learning fun.”

This is Ruiz’s third year of teaching at Ruskin while Barney is a seven-year teacher with five of them in Hickman Mills. Barney said his work in robotics and engineering got him noticed.

“Teachers saw what I did in robotics and the engineering program for the district,’’ Barney said.

He also helped make engineering academy.

In the month of October, Kevin Scharlau was the All-star Teacher and Joe Witherow was selected the Phenomenal Classroom teacher. ’’What made me what to teach is my high school history teacher Mr. Plowman,’’ Scharlau said.

“He has been teaching two years and in both years have been here at Ruskin, along with Witherow who has been teaching for six years and three of them at Ruskin. ‘’It’s a nice honor to be recognized by fellow teachers,’’said Witherow.

Also he was inspired to become a teacher by his father who was a teacher and his love for mathematics.

Sept. Phenomenal Teacher

Sept. All-Star Teacher

Oct. Phenomenal Teacher

Oct. All-Star Teacher

Todd Barney

Joe Witherow

Nicole Ruiz

Kevin Scharlau

Photos by Markus Snead

“StuCo,” cont. from pg. 2

Senior Lavashia Parker (left) and senior LeAundre Williams (right) enjoy fun times at the workshop with other students from around the state.

ability to work with others.students are placed in “councils” with a certified student council advisor and two junior counselors. Sessions include large group presentations, small group workshops, team building activities, citizenship building, character education, and meeting skills.

Get ready for upcoming events the student council has planned. They have planned so far: Spirit Week and Homecoming.

Student Council Adviser Marla Converse (center left) gathers with her StuCo members who attended the Summer Workshop including: Row 1: Jennifer Olidebe, Staysha Hampton, Erica Jackson, last year’s StuCo President Devan Burton. Row 2: Alycia Sims, Maya Purse, Tachea Griddine, Lavashia Parker.

Row 3: Mondre Davis, Marquon Morton, and LeAundre Williams.

[V NG TIN E ’ESA K SP SA PL R EI N BR ] E C I A L ]

[PAGE 14 2]

Ruskin welcomes new faces

Nicholas Civitello

Edward Morse

Cheryl Marshall

Chris Frye

MATH

P.E.

MEDIA ASSISTANT

ART

Ron Mersch

Matt Sullivan

Rick Whitsell

Laura Anderson

SCIENCE

P.E.

MATH

SPEECH & THEATRE ARTS

Greg Stevens

Lauren Taylor

Tiffany Segers

Chris Campbell

BUSINESS

COMMUNICATION ARTS

COLLEGE COUNSELOR

MJROTC

Kelly Michale

Elizabeth Romanchuk

Marisa Usera

Paul McCorkle

COMMUNICATION ARTS, THEATRE

PRINCIPAL’S SECRETARY

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

SPECIAL EDUCATION

[SPORTS]

[PAGE 15]

‘Tis the season for fall sports Wondering what’s up with the fall sports at Ruskin this year? Fall sports are underway and teams have been working for a successful season this year. From the end zones of the football field to the green grass of the golf course, players have stood out in their performances and have been noticed for their achievements. Most of the teams have wrapped up their season except for the football team which will be competing

PLAYER

for a spot in the playoffs.

The Ruskin Eagles football team kicked off their season with an opener away game against Truman High School.

The Eagles played hard, but fell short to the Patriots 42-17.

But the loss only helped the Eagles figure out their game plan and fix unacceptable mistakes that cost them the game.

“We lost the game, but it only made us learn what we need to do to win,” senior Hi-

ram Robinson said.

The Eagles followed that game by losing three more times before winning their first home game against Oak Park 32-6. The team’s record is 1-5 after losing to North Kansas City and St. Joseph High School. Team statistics show a few stars on the squad that shine out the brightest on the field.

Senior cornerback Edwin Stewart leads the team with two interceptions and two turnovers.

SPOTLIGHT

by Christina Alvarado

Chelsea Fuller

STAFF REPORTER

Ruskin senior Chelsea Fuller’s attitude earned her some extra coaching and a number one spot on the RHS Tennis team this season.

When a fan of Park Hill High School’s tennis team saw Fuller compete last year, he was so impressed that he offered to pay for tennis lessons during the off-season.

During a tennis match with Park Hill High School last year, Fuller stood out to a man named Jerry Bos, the grandfather of a Park Hill player. Bos liked Chelsea’s politeness and her attitude on the court. So he offered to pay for lessons at Hilltop Racquet Club and KCJTL. She accepted and began her lessons from November of last year until the girls’ tennis season started in August. Fuller said that the experience was very helpful.

“It was very advanced,” Fuller said. “And I got to play a lot more. I got to play against people who were better than me, and those girls utterly killed me!”

Fred Kelley leads the team in receiving touchdowns with five touchdowns so far. The Eagles have three games left and a chance in the playoffs if they win two out three games in the rest of the season.

The Eagles Varsity Volleyball Team’s season has almost hit its conclusion for this year and team members played hard in every game. The Eagles are 2-14 as of now. The team has many experienced seniors and dedicated underclassmen that contributed to the team in many ways. The captains or varsity leaders on the team are seniors, Trei Brown, Charnaye Bland and Taylor Foreman.

“Our hardest opponent was Lee’s Summit West,” said senior Zakiyyah Karriem.

The volleyball team has an unsuccessful record as of now but their effort has gone a long See “Fall Sports,” cont. on back cover

Senior Chelsea Fuller has led the Lady Eagle Tennis Team this season. Photo

by Ariona Brevard.

Fuller is confident about the Golden Eagles Tennis season and her teammates are happy she is had the chance to experience the competition and come back as a leader on the team.

“She is a hard worker and deserves it, plus she’s a great motivator,” senior Yvonne Hall said.

“She has adopted everybody on our team, whether we want it or not,” senior Tiffany Blake said.

Both teammates said that they predict with Fuller’s advantage they will win half of

their games. Coach Blackmon is proud of Fuller. He feels that this is a big step.

“African Americans aren’t really accepted into tennis, and I want more people to see that this can have many opportunity’s.” Blackmon said.

Fuller is unsure about tennis in her future, but the experience has opened some doors for her. Until she decides, she plans to keep concentrating on the rest of her season and then look forward to the spring.

“I’m going to manage the boy’s tennis team,” Fuller said.

Junior Tyshana Burton leaps for a

high flying ball!

The Eagle’s Eye Ruskin High School 7000 E. 111th St. Kansas City, MO 64134

Sophomore Janine Pedroza swings for a good score! Photo by Sheante Taylor.

Senior Brianna Martin goes hard for the ball Photo by Kwanisa Winters.

“Fall sports,” cont. from Pg. 15 way. According to Karriem, standout players for the team this year are seniors Brianna Banks and Taylor Foreman.

“I like how Brianna approaches the ball with her spikes, its different,” said Karriem.

T h e 2011-12 Lady Eagles of the golf course tee’d off the year on a good start with brand new and talented players.

Even though golf is an individual sport, the team had a successful season as a whole.

Junior Delarno Gray puts moves on defender to get to the goal.

Photo by Sheante Taylor.

Despite the

Senior Micheal Warren finishes strong for the finish line. Photo by Sheante Taylor.

greater number of inexperienced sophomores on the team this year, they had a positive season. Junior Yvonne Perry barely missed sectionals by five strokes at the team’s last golf match.

Ruskin’s Softball Coach Lisa Cunningham and assistant Coach James Hunsaker gathered the Eagles this year for a great 2011-12 season. The team only won one game on this year’s schedule, beating St. Mary’s High School but, Cunningham believes the team has improved and worked hard this year. The team had many standout players but, senior Taylor Foreman has improved greatly, according to Cunningham.

“For a player who didn’t play for a year, she did pretty good this year,” Cunningham

Senior Tino Martin scrambling through the defense. Photo by Hannah Gray.

said .

Lastly, The Eagles Cross Country team has been going the distance this school year with many meets and good results. The team only consisted of eight runners, but the team was very talented this year. Senior Micheal Warren is a veteran on the team and is proud of the progress he and the team have made.

“We have some hard working and dedicated runners this year,” Warren said. “With them working so hard, It only motivates me to go harder.

So with the fall sports coming to an end, the Ruskin Eagles as a whole have put in the work and given the effort to strive in Ruskin athletics.