TALENT SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
....................... Pg.9
Would you camp out for these?...pg. 7 Vol. IV Issue 2 Dec. 2013
[A student publication of Ruskin High School]
[Kansas City, MO]
Let’s Get it Started By Kourtnie McKinney
A
STAFF REPORTER
fter more than 70 boys went through tryouts on Nov. 4 - 6, only the most elite 20 basketball players made the Ruskin boys basketball team. “Looking at our roster, it’s apparent we will be young and not very big this year,” Varsity Basketball Coach Gerald Mar-
lin said. Although the team is small in size, Marlin said he has high expectations for this year’s team. “I believe our team will be better this year because of improvement,” Marlin said. Marlin claims that by creating a more defensive team and becoming a “hard force” the team has a chance at being better than last year. The team started 2013
season off with an away game against Southwest High School. Ruskin lost by two with a score of 43 to 41.
Sophomore Nate Washington dribbles down the court into teammate Junior Keaunte Love during a recent basketball practice. Photo by Aya Awwad. See “Boy’s Basketball,” cont. on back cover
Christmas Time Is Around The Corner
by Edward Goode STAFF REPORTER
It’s that time of the year and the holiday break is just around the corner and students are preparing for the holidays. As the holiday season is fast approaching, student’s are making plans for what they will do during the break. Some students will spend time and eat with their families and some will just chill and play video games. “I guess watch football, be with my family, play video games and stuff like that,” junior Devin Stubbs said. Some student’s plan to
be with and spend time with their families over the holiday break, while others plan to travel out of town for break or they have family coming in from out of town. Then few
others just plan to wake up, open presents and spend time with their families. “I celebrate my holidays by spending time with my family because I only have two
family members in my house and I wake up and open presents,” junior Robert Crenshaw said. For some the best thing about Christmas break is to be with family and for others their best part about break is to get away from school. “Best thing about my break is getting away from the Ruskin students that I have to deal with Monday through Friday,” said Crenshaw. As Christmas break is coming up, plans and preparations are being made to do, during the upcoming break.
[ INSIDE THIS ISSUE... ] Math relays ......pg. 2
Bullying hurts ...pg.3
Social media gifts ..Pg. 4-5
Grease performs ........Pg. 6
History video .......Pg. 7
Cheer response letter ......Pg. 10
Winter Sports ......Pg.10-12
[NEWS]
[PAGE 2]
Ruskin students succeed in math relays by Edward Goode STAFF REPORTER
Once a year Ruskin math teachers put together a superstar Ruskin Eagles Math Team for the local Kansas City math relays.. The math relays are held at different schools each year with the event this year being held at Center High School on Nov. 9 with six schools representing their school districts “It rotates at different high schools, this year it was at Center high school, and the math team was just put together for the competition, their not together all the time,” Math Teacher Ben Martin said. The students on the Math Team are chosen by their teachers based on their grades and their scores on standardized tests. The math competition is important as it shows how good Ruskin’s students are at math. “It shows that we have good things going on in our school and that we got very intelligent students that are good at math despite what you might see in the news about accreditation,” Martin said. There are several categories in the math relays that the students participate in with the goal being to get first place. “They have two trophies that you can win - overall best district and best high school, ” Martin said.
Ruskin High School did good in the competition coming in first place in the ACT relay, the ACT Medley, the Data Relay and the Data Medley. Ruskin came in second, third,or fourth place in the other events at the competition. At the math relays this year Ruskin ended the competition on a good note coming in second place overall for the school district. “I felt that this was going to be one of our best years and it was, we had a really strong crew,” Martin said. “First year they had this competition our district took home first place back when we had two high schools and this year we got second place as a district.”
Students at the KC Math Relays on November 9 at Center High School.
EAGLE’S EYE 2013-14 STAFF I’mUnique Swinton, senior Kourtnie McKinney, senior Ere’Shay Winters, senior Edward Goode, junior
Shannon Hogan, junior Anthony Glover, sophomore Paige Johnson, sophomore Tierra Taylor, sophomore
[FEATURES]
[PAGE 3]
Bullying consequences becoming more severe By Tierra Taylor
M
STAFF REPORTER
any people believe that bullying is getting worse every day, especially among teens, whether in person or via electronic devices. The consequences of bullying are getting more serious. For example, Katelyn Roman, 12 and Guadalupe Shaw, 14, were arrested on felony aggravated stalking charges after the Polk County Sheriff’s office said both “terrorized” Florida teen Rebecca Sedwick. The girls had bullied Sedwick and, eventually, Sedwick committed suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4.400 deaths per year, according to the CDC. It is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students according to the National Education Association. At Ruskin High School, the fear is real. “During the times I was bullied, I would always want to stay home with people I knew cared about me,” said a junior Ruskin boy anonymously. “I skipped school for over a week straight. My grades went down by 20%. I learned how hard it was to catch up the hard way. I couldn’t raise my grade up in time so I had to retake algebra.” One in four youths from 11 to 19 are threatened via cell phone or online according to isafe surveys from a 2002 study. ”The only time I ever was bullied was always online on social sites,” said a senior Ruskin girl who also wished to remain anonymous. “From girls that went to Grandview,
and Lee’s Summit. I was dating this boy who went to Grandview High School. His ex-girlfriend would tag me in hurtful pictures on Instagram.” The NCES report reveals
Facebook since.” “It was painful to know some people would say things behind my back,” said sophomore Paige Johnson. “Some people were bold enough to say
Recognize problems & symptoms of bullying According to national studies, up to 30 percent of school kids say they’ve bullied others, been bullied or both. Some experts say that’s an overstatement. But there’s no overstating the problem if it’s your kid. Here’s what you can do: Listen to children. Encourage them to talk so you can identify any problems. Take children’s complaints of bullying seriously. Investigate minor complaints. They might uncover more severe problems that children are afraid or ashamed to talk about. Watch for symptoms such as withdrawal, a drop in grades, torn clothes or a need for extra money or supplies. If you suspect a problem, tell school officials immediately. Work with other parents to ensure that the children in your neighborhood are supervised closely on their way to and from school.
NEWS2USE-EDUCATION2 KRT ILLUSTRATION BY SYDNEY FISCHER/SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
that victims of bullying can display a range of responses like low self-esteem, difficulty in trusting others, lack of assertiveness, aggression, difficulty controlling anger, and Isolation. “People from other schools in the area would put comments on my pictures,” said a sophomore Ruskin girl, who also wished to remain anonymous. “At the beginning, I tried to brush it off but it started being an everyday thing. I started to think that something was wrong with me. I took everything out on myself. I told my mom what was going on and I decided to deactivate my account. I haven’t returned to
it to me. I felt discouraged, like no one liked me. I couldn’t understand how people could talk about me not knowing anything about me. Girls would laugh at me in the halls and go on my Facebook newsfeed making statuses and tagging me.” One in seven Students in grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of bullying according to dosomething.org “Eventually I got fed up with it,” said Johnson. “I would try to make girls mad and treat them how they treated me. After a while it got old I started realizing that it was pointless. It made me feel evil in a way. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”
Don’t bully your children yourself, physically or verbally. Use nonphysical, consistently enforced discipline measures as opposed to ridiculing, yelling at or ignoring your children when they misbehave. Praise children’s kindness toward others. Let children know that kindness is valued. Teach children ways to resolve arguments without violent words or actions. Teach children self-protection skills: how to walk confidently, stay alert to what’s going on around them and stand up for themselves verbally. Recognize that bullies may be acting out feelings of insecurity, anger or loneliness. If your child is a bully, help get to the root of the problem. Seek out specific strategies you can use at home from a teacher, school counselor or child psychologist. SOURCES: National Crime Prevention Council, ERIC Clearinghouse on Educational Management
[FEATURES]
[PAGE 4]
Gift Ideas for Social Media Fans By Lesley Kennedy SHOPATHOME.COM
You know that friend/ relative/co-worker whose eyes are perpetually glued to the
1.
phone/tablet/laptop, constantly searching/posting/uploading to Facebook/Twitter/Instagram? This holiday season, surprise social media mavens with
Social Media Pins: A set of three badges (“Like Me,” “Follow Me,” “Pin Me”) from K is for Kaligraphy makes for an excellent stocking stuffer. Get it: etsy.com, $6.
2. Instagram magnets: Turn nine favorite Instagram pics into 2-inch by 2-inch magnets through StickyGram. Get it: stickygram. com, $14.99.
5.
Custom iStep flip-flops: If your pal is always on the hunt for more followers, snag a pair of customizable flip-flops. You can request any words or symbols to be engraved on the bottoms of the sandals from ImpressiveSteps, but the social network savvy will love versions that leave “Follow” “@Name” in the sand. Get it: Etsy.com, $18.99.
2.
6.
3. Google+ pillow: If your loved one even dreams in a social media haze, send him to bed with a handmade pillow from Craftsquatch. We dig the red and white Google+ version, but you’ll also find pillows dedicated to iTunes, AppStore, Twitter, Instagram, Android, Gmail, Pinterest and more. Get it: etsy.com, $28.
geeked-out gifts that pay homage to their favorite platforms. From a Facebook shower curtain to Twitter earrings, here are 12 presents sure to go viral. #You’reWelcome
Twitter earrings: Does your sister seem to only write in hashtags or @ signs? Scoop up fab sterling silver earrings from Dalia Shamir Jewelry _ one stud is shaped like a #, while the other is an @. Available in matte or shiny finish. Get it: Luulla.com, $35.
4.
“Goodnight iPad”: For the child (or parent) glued to his or her tablet, this parody of the classic book for kids will have you giggling at the modern era of technology. Sample: “Goodnight remotes and Netflix streams, Androids, apps and glowing screens. Goodnight plugs and power lights that guide us to pee in the darkness of night.” Get it: thinkgeek.com, $14.99.
[ F E A T U R E[PAGE S ] 5]
[PAGE 5]
[OPINION/NEWS]
7.
Pinterest mug: Say your BFF is addicted to pinning? Fete her this season with a ceramic mug from RevellHouse, hand-painted with the words, “All I want for Christmas... is everything I pinned on Pinterest!” If only. Get it: etsy.com, $13.
8.
10.
YouTube socks: Posting videos are your brother’s life? He will need these “tube” socks touting his favorite social media site. Get it: googlestore. com, $7.40.
Social media wall clock: Know someone who thinks it’s social media time all the time? Better grab this wall clock that features website icons instead of numbers (think LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter and more). Get it: geek-living.com, $33.
Facebook shower curtain: Facebook addicts will definitely “like” the clever Social Shower Curtain from Perpetual Kid. Designed to look like a profile page, the curtain features updates, like “Shower Curtain is now friends with Wash Basin and Shampoo & Conditioner,” and lists friends, including Hot Tap and Toilet Seat. The best part? A transparent rectangle, so you can show off a new profile picture each time you clean up. Get it: perpetualkid. com, $23.29.
9.
Twitter tights: Wear your social media allegiance on your sleeve _ er, gams _ with fun stockings from Tattoo Tights that say “Follow me” along the side of the leg. Available in different nude shades, find one to match your friend’s skin tone for a tattooed look. Get it: etsy.com, $23.
11. 12. Like and Dislike stamps: Here’s the perfect stocking stuffer for Facebook fans: a set of two self-inking stamps with a thumbs up and “Like” and or a thumbs down and “Dislike.” Get it: urbanoutfitters.com, $14.
[ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]
[PAGE 6
Mix of Old vs New By Tierra Taylor STAFF REPORTER
The “Grease” Play was a mix of old school vs. new with theatre veterans and first timers entertaining all of RHS. From the colorful set, to the catchy tunes, and the energetic cast members, “Grease” was a hit. Students performed the show four times on Nov. 21, 22, and 23. Although “Grease” leads Alex Arnold (Danny) and Akilah Bryan (Sandy) have theatre experience, this was Del’shon Bradford’s first high school play. “The most challenging thing for me to learn was my solo during the ‘Grease Lightning’ song,” said Del’shon. “I thought if I messed up everyone would notice. During my solo I had to jump on top of my car, sing, and do choreography. Overall I was very satisfied with my performance. I think I did a good job staying in character.”
Students at RHS could see the play during school Friday. “I felt the play was great,” said Izaiah Garcia, who saw the student matinee Friday. “The performance of the cast was amazing.” This was the first musical Marcus Sneade has performed in. “It was very difficult because I had football so I would have to catch up a lot,” said Sneade. “I felt that the play was one of the best experiences of my life because it was something I never imagined myself doing.” In reviews it was clear that the students enjoyed the entire show and performances by leads Arnold and Bryan. But reviewers also complimented students who played supporting roles such as “Eugene” played by Vincent Pellettiere, “Vince Fontaine” played by Hershel Rockett , and “Patty Simcox” played by Shardae Williams as a great comedic relief through-
out the show. “ I love to dance and l like to sing,” said Williams. “When I heard RHS was conducting a musical I wanted to try something new. I enjoyed every moment of the musical. I would definitely do it again.”
Grease Fever
Senior Cindy Menjivar (right) plays as “Rizzo” in the crazy new movie grease. Her emotion shows that she was really into the play and had a great t time. Menjivar said her personality favored Rizzo’s. Many people thought she would make the perfect fit to play Rizzo, with her hair flossing and clothes looking just right. She ROCKED the musical out. The other characters thought Menjivar was doing an amazing job. Her performance really caught everyone’s eye in both the audience and the background characters. “I thought the musical was really fun and I would love to do it again,” Menjivar said. Text by LaTanee Johnson-Boyd. Photo by Ciara Griffin.
[ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]
[PAGE 7]
Untapped Talent Discovered Students
make finals with history video
By Anthony Glover STAFF REPORTER
Ruskin High School has a great amount of untapped talent, and the students saw a lot of that talent at the show held on Friday Sept. 6, in the Ruskin Auditorium. After five years without a show, the Ruskin Talent Show has been in great anticipation, with acts like dancers, singers, and even rappers. “I have no favorite,” talent show director Kelly Michael before the show. “There’s no clear winner in my eyes but it’s going to be a close call.” The judges had the difficult task of choosing the winners of the contest. But in the end, they chose senior Crystal Rhodes as the first place winner for her solo dance. Junior Ke’Shauna Shurn took second place for her. While senior Breonda Keith and senior Shyheim Zacary and senior Treveon Hill took third for their group song. “Personally, I think my sister was the best singer,” Henderson said, said about her sister Keith. “She was my biggest competition.” The show has many different interpretations. A few are really funny. “It was better than I thought it would be,” sophomore Tierra Taylor said. “It was kind of ghetto but it was good.” The singers could actually sing, like Henderson who performed “End of Time” by Beyonce. “The crowd helped me,” Henderson said. “When I forgot my lyrics they started to sing along to keep me going on.” Some of the poets and singers and even the host started out kind of quiet.
By Paige Johnson STAFF REPORTER
Senior Breonda Kieth sings to sophomore Vernon Davis. Photo: Jada Griffin
“I’m thinking it’s the microphone,” Henderson said. “And the way it is set up in the auditorium.” A couple of the students in the sophomore student body have different opinions about who the best singer was. One agrees with Henderson though. “Breonda Keith is the best in my eyes,” Taylor said. Sophomore Musa Khan disagree. “Stephanie Berg is the best singer,” Khan said.
Ruskin sophomores Carlie Shockey and Ronique Gause were on a field trip when they found out that their art video was chosen to be show in a film festival. The students made the video at the Nelson-Atkins Museum during a field trip with American History Teacher June Hollowell-Ross. During the field trip, students made videos about art work in which they would relate to their lives and they would have to research the artist themselves. “Art is history. It is people of our past telling their story through paint and oil pastel.“ Hollowell-Ross said.”This field trip relates to history because it will always be seen by many people.” Shockey said making the video was really interesting and enjoyable. “This video was made to tell not only our lives but also the artist’s life and why she made the art the way she did,”. Shockey said. Gause was excited that their efforts made the final selection. “I am glad that our video was chosen and I hope we win at the end,”Gause said. The students that also attended the trip said that they would like to do the field trip again and attempt a new approach. Classmates and HollowellRoss congratulated Shockey and Gause on their win. The film festival where their video was shown was open to the public and took place on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Nelson-Atkins Art Gallery.
[OPINION]
[PAGE 8]
The Networking BOOM ! Students By I’mUnique Swinton
S
STAFF REPORTER
ocial networking is making us less social. Being social and connected has become dangerous for both mind and body, because people are becoming less and less likely to go out of their way to create social situations where they would interact with people face to face. This is a bad thing because it has been proven that there is so much that people can learn from their brief interactions with one another, on a day-to-day basis. Also, people are choosing to stay in and stay online versus going out and being social and doing anything physical. Studies show that social networking is causing problems with the mind. Social networking is causing problems with peoples minds because they still on social networks and not aware of what’s going on around them. “I don’t think social networking interferes with the mind, if you use it often,” Senior Malik Barbour said. The main issue people have realized with social net-
working is that it’s taking over the way teens learn. Social networking sites are being used to gather information no matter if it’s school related or outside of school. Teens are starting to abuse the social networking sites just to make the way they learn easier. Students are finding it easier to find answers to their homework or test because of their use of social networking. “I use social networking for information for school and the outside world,” sophomore Dean Humphrey said. Since the boom of the social networking sites the depression and suicides of teens have increased. There have been many articles written on this topic.
The star readers letter states that for the most part, this is an innocent practice that is the result of not having anything better to do. Recently, however, we have begun to see the use of social media as a digital suicide note. It is becoming increasingly apparent that there is truly a problem with children’s social development becoming impaired due to social networking. Researchers think that it is due to kids mostly interacting with each other online and not being in person where having proper social skills are needed to have conversations. Online, there is rarely any depth to the conversation. It is easy for a teen to come across as having two different personalities because of the difference of how you may act online versus in person. The effect of this is causing kids to be lonely but without them even knowing it, because they feel like they are with friends just by typing to them, but that is not the case.
are
talking... By Ere’Shay Winters STAFF REPORTER
Question: How Do You Feel About Camping Out For Shoes ? “I feel like its hard work but in the end the shoes are worth it” senior Precious Awopetu said. “It can be fun if you go with your friends, but its overrated for a pair of shoes” senior Khadijat Badejo said. “Why wait for them when you can just pre order them” senior Vivian McDonald said. “Aint nobody got time for that stuff, its called ebay” senior Curtis Ross said. “It depends on if they are OG then I don’t have a problem with it. But I don’t do it anymore because it became to much of a trend” senior Anthony Sims said. “I go majority of the time, but I don’t do it anymore beSee “SAT,” cont. on pg. 9
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.
[OPINION]
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Please note that this is my view as a parent of a cheerleader and not my daughter’s views. In response to the cheer article (Complications of Cheer), I would like to express a parent’s views. To the Editor of Eagle Eye: During the first cheer meeting in April 2013, Ms. Kriesel had with the girls and their parents, she explained the rules of being on the cheer squad and why those rules were in place. One of the most important rules that she pointed out were that the girls were only allowed to do cheer and no other activities. This was because she wanted the girls to focus on getting perfected for competitions and because stunts are hard to do and do safely when you are missing members of the team (and I would like to point out that girls were getting hurt from stunts when this rule was bent). We, the parents, and our daughters signed the contracts that stated this rule. This signature was agreement to that rule. Now don’t get me wrong - I am all for these girls expanding their horizons and doing other things, but what I am not for is the parents and the cheerleaders signing a contract and therefore agreeing to it to only disobey the rule and disobey it disrespectfully. These girls and any parents in disagreement of the rule should not have signed the contract and discussed their disagreement at the first initial meeting (in April 2013). I was also told that this rule was presented to the girls before and when they tried out. So, if they did not agree with this rule they should not have tried out or discussed their disagreement then. I don’t believe this knowledge
was presented by the disgruntled girls to the administration. Therefore, lack of communication with the administration and the girls resulted in dismissal of a GREAT coach. I also felt bad that Mrs. Schwartz was thrown into the position of Head Coach and when problems arose she got NO support from the administration. Matter of fact, neither her nor Ms. Kriesel got support from administration for their rules and regulations which follow along with the MSHAA rules. Administration also demonstrated NO communication to the parents or the girls as to why a good coach was let go. A lot of rumors are going around about the situation, but we have yet to get the solid and truthful facts. As a parent of a Ruskin cheerleader, I am very disappointed in how things were handled, interpreted and communicated. I am still waiting on administration to give a valid explanation. Since none has been given - one is left to wonder if it was a personal attack or issue. This whole experience has tainted my daughter’s view on high school cheer and how her and her fellow squad cheer member’s opinions are valued (most members created a petition to get Ms. Kriesel back - this included almost 100 signatures - and it was dismissed by our administration). I know when Ms. Kriesel and Mrs. Schwartz were in charge MSHAA rules were being followed and the team SEEMED harmonious! Sincerely, Mrs. Gloria Dyer
[PAGE 9]
“SAT,” cont. from pg. 8
cause it became they still be having my size.” senior Talia Nelson said. “I just don’t care about shoes like that.” junior Aviona Robinson said.
campout.” sophomore Danielle Woodruff said.
“If they are cute then I’ll
“I feel like its a waste of time but at the end its worth it.” sophomore Jarae ? said. “I don’t like it because you can stand in line for 13 hours and they will sell out of your size, then you’re going to be mad.” Antwanique Evans said. “Forgot camping out for shoes when you got money you can buy it online “ junior Byran Anderson said. “I’ll never do it again” junior Kevon Powell said. “I don’t do it” junior Madison Clark said. “If I like the shoes then I’ll camp out for them.” senior Eri’yasha Winters said “I’ll just ask my sister to pick them up when she goes to work, unless I have time.” senior Alexia Brown said. “I think its a waste of time” junior Sydney Jackson said. “I wouldn’t want shoes that everybody is gonna camp out for because everybody gone have them then I’m not gonna wear them. senior Alaya Jackson said. “if you want them that bad then you should do it, but i have never done it.” senior Desirea Collins said. “I work so I don’t have time.” senior Kyeisha Williams said. “I want ever do it, because its not that deep.” sophomore Aaliyah Ferguson said.
VP AO L ERNT TS I] N [S E’S SPECIAL]
2] [PAGE 10
Karriem Leads Ruskin Wrestlers
by Shannon Hogan STAFF REPORTER
After returning from state last season, Jamal Karriem is currently 8-1 and has become a leader this year on the Ruskin Wrestling Team. In the wrestling team’s first tournament, Karriem came in first place and that’s the direction he says he wants to keep going. ”I want to be first in the districts and state this season,” said Kerriem. Karriem has been working hard this season by attending every practice and trying his best and now is currently the team captain. He is currently the only state qualifying wrestler on the team.
“I feel good for making it to state but I would feel a lot better if we had more state qualifiers on the team.” said Karriem. That’s something he wish he could change.
“If I could change one thing about the team it would be our numbers and dedication,” Karriem said. “We don’t have enough wrestlers on the team and the people that are on the team just aren’t dedicated
enough.” His connections with the coaches and his hard effort is the reason for his success but it doesn’t come without obstacles. He said the biggest obstacles for my success are the weight differences between his opponents and him, but other than that he doesn’t see really any major obstacles. This is Karriem’s fourth year of wrestling, and every year he plans to get better. Karriem mentioned that the team isn’t really a team so far. “Right now we’re just a group of individuals,” Karriem said. “But we’re working on that.”
Junior Jamal Karriem pins a Winnetonka wrestler for a win.
Two Power Houses Clash By Anthony Glover STAFF REPORTER
The Kansas City Chiefs lost once again to the Denver Broncos with a score of 35-28, the Chiefs are on a three game losing streak as of Sunday Dec. 1. The Kansas City Chiefs have played the Denver Broncos two times in the last three weeks. The first score was 2717, while the second game was nail bitter coming down to the Chiefs converting on an fourth and four. “It was a disappointment,” parenting teacher Kayla Henderson said. “We couldn’t catch a pass to save our lives.” The Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning had a great game Sunday night throwing for five touchdowns and four of which going to the same receiver.
The Chiefs defense allowed 538 yards of total offense against the Broncos, there was a total of 1100 yards combined for both teams. People still think that the Chiefs played a good game. “The defense played a good game,” senior Veronica Austin said. “They could have played a little harder.” The Chiefs are on a three game losing streak going into week 14, going to Washington D.C. to play Robert Griffin III and the Redskins. “Practice hard,” Austin said. “They’ve got to practice hard and keep think outside of the box when it comes to play calling.” Some, including Assistant Principal Henry Martin, think the Chiefs losing was expected. “It was exactly what I an-
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) stretches out for a 28-yard pass catch on the Chiefs’ final offensive possession between Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) and David Bruton (30) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs, 35-28. (David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/MCT)
ticipated,” Martin said. The Chiefs defense hasn’t played good defense as of late, since they’ve given up over 100 points in the last three games. Martin agrees they could have been better. “Any time you allow over 18 points the defense could have played a little better,”
Martin said. These two losses to the Broncos have major playoff implications, making the Broncos the number one seed for the A.F.C. and the Chiefs the fifth seed. That means there is still a chance the Chiefs and Broncos See “Chiefs,” cont. on pg. 11
[SPORTS]
[PAGE 11]
Could Ball Be Life? By I’mUnique Swinton STAFF REPORTER
T
he Ladies Eagles Basketball Team at Ruskin High School has started their season off with a win. December 3, the ladies finished their first game off with the score 40-35 against Raytown South High School. “Our season has started off good, but good is never enough,” senior Erione Gant said. But in order to make the wins they have to deal with challenges they have never planned to face. Many of the players on the team say that the biggest challenges that the team faces is working as a team, and knowing how to hustle. “Our biggest challenge as a team is working together,” senior Kahyla Taylor said. The girls have really gone
in to this year with their heads on straight, but members of the team fear that some of the attitudes of the players will interfere with some of the outcomes of the games. “If I could change the attitudes of some of the players I would, because we need to encourage each other,” Taylor said. Despite all the challenges and surprises that the team has in store for them, they have faith in a few players that stand out to them that will help the team make it through the season. “Erione Gant stands out to me and the teams follows her lead,” Taylor said. Gant agreed the girls look to her as a leader on the team. “I do believe that I stand out on the team,” Gant said. “But there is never a ‘I’ in team. We will all stand out together.” The team is trying their best to work together as a team
to help everybody improve on what can make them better as a team. “We need to work on our defense as a team, to help each other improve,” Gant said. The girl left their tournament with the record of 1-2. “I think we could have left with a better record if we worked better as a team,” Taylor said.
Junior Antoinette Davis practices her free throw shooting.
Varsity Girls B a s ket b a l l Coach Greg Stevens discusses a play with senior point guard Erione Gant.
“Chiefs,” cont. from pg. 14
can meet a third time in Denver again. “The Chiefs are going to win,” Austin said. “Third time’s the charm that’s all that is.” Note: At publication time, the Cheifs have clinched a spot in the playoffs with a win Dec. 15 over the Oakland Raiders 56-31, which included a record-breaking five touchdowns by Jaamal Charles. A third match up with Denver is still a possibility.
Senior Kahyla Taylor goes up for a layup during a practice drill while the team prepares to be next.
[SPORTS]
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Students, Staff Share NY Resolutions by Shannon Hogan STAFF REPORTER
` “My professional resolution is for Ruskin High to get better, academically with the culture, climate and the safety. Personally, I want to continue to lose weight to get in better shape than what I used to be and to spend more time with my family.” ~ Principal Jesse Rivers “I never really made resolutions before to be honest. I watched people make them and break them, so I just try to be better tomorrow than I was today.” ~ Assistant Principal Henry Martin “To stop smoking. My wife is going to have to stop smoking too, so we won’t be tempted.”~ Teacher Pat Mclaughlin “Don’t go on as many field trips as I did first semester, so I can have better attendance.” ~ Junior Kristal Whitaker
“Not to shop so much. I’m going to give my credit card to my mom.” ~ Junior Dashay Reed “To get money by going to work, because I have certain things I want to buy.” ~ Junior Alexis Riley “To Keep good grades, so I can get into a good college.” ~ Junior Dominique Graves “To work harder, so my grades will stay good.” ~ Junior Hershel Rocket “To graduate this year.” ~ Senior Larnell Anderson “To find another job, because I like having money.” ~ Junior Mary Moore “To get another car. And graduate, so I can have a better future.” ~Senior Decorey Forshee-Harris
“Boy’s Basketball, cont. from front cover
“To get money, work hard, and keep and a positive attitude.” ~ Senior Jaleel Johnson “To make it to class on time and move on to the next grade.” ~ Junior Asia Ewing “Live life to the fullest, because you don’t know when your life is going to be over.” ~ Junior Michelle Hernandez “To finally get a job, because I need to get some money for certain things that needs to be paid off.” ~ Junior Domanique Clayton “Be successful and keep a positive attitude.” ~ Junior Bre’A Williams “I don’t really do New Year’s Resolutions anymore because I never go through with it.” ~ Junior Ciara Griffin “To stay out of trouble, so I can pass all my classes.” ~ Junior Aaliyah Stanley
Varsity Basketball Coach Gerald Marlin helps sophomore Ryan Martinez perfect his shot. Photo by Aya Awwad.
This year could possibly be a good year for the basketball team considering that three returning players, Jamari Chalmers, Nate Washington, and Brenan Latimer, were named to All-District and All-Conference teams last year. Most of the returning players participated on the summer team. Since the team plays the largest 5A schools in the city, practice has been thorough. But for one player, practice has been his road to recovery. Chalmers, earlier this school year, had a serious surgery after injuring his knee. “My main concern this season is not giving my all,” Chalmers said. But through rehab, and constant hard working to improve his skills, Chalmers is back and better than ever. “Keeping a positive attitude” junior Nate Washington said. This season is definitely one to watch!