Due to the normalization of youth caffeine consumption, teenagers are developing caffeine addictions that don’t just disrupt sleep schedules, but also worsen their mental health and lead to physical effects
DECEMBER
political cartoon
Harbinger The Harbinger
sta list
EDITORS
PRINT EDITORS
Avery Anderson
Addie Moore
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Larkin Brundige
Connor Vogel
ASST. PRINT EDITORS
Sophia Brockmeier
Libby Marsh
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Luciana Mendy
Lucy Stephens
HEAD COPY EDITOR
Ada Lillie Worthington
ASST. HEAD COPY EDITORS
Libby Marsh
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Caroline Martucci
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Will Grif th
Paige Bean
PHOTO MENTORS
Addie Clark
Mason Sajna
Molly Scott
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Alex Sajna
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ASST. VIDEO EDITOR
Preston Hooker
DESIGN EDITOR
Kai McPhail
ASST. DESIGN EDITOR
Sydney Eck
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Clara Burdick
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PAGE DESIGNERS
Ben Bagby
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Avni Bansal
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Christopher Long
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Addy Newman
Tillie Paisner
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Lucy Swope
SECTION EDITORS EDITORIAL
Julia Campbell NEWS
Clara Burdick OPINION
Mya Smith
online update stories galleries videos
Broce
Yi
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Caroline Black
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MULTIMEDIA STAFF
Ben Bagby
Paige Bean
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Emma Weidman
STAFF WRITERS
Avni Bansal
Caroline Beal
Vanessa Blades
Ellen Bowser
Reese Dunham
Mary Gagen
Preston Hooker
Christopher Long
Addy Newman
Grace Pei
Mya Smith
Carl Sutton
COPY EDITORS
Avery Anderson
Isabel Baldassaro
Sophia Brockmeier
Larkin Brundige
Addie Moore
Lucy Stephens
Connor Vogel
Emmerson Winfrey
Lucy Wolf
Michael Yi
ART EDITOR Kai McPhail
ASST. ART EDITOR
Julia Campbell
Avery Foster
Preston Hooker
Miranda Liberda
Tillie Paisner
SOCIAL MEDIA FEATURE
Dunham
EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Mason Sajna
Lorusso
STAFF ARTISTS
Evelyn Bagley
Bella Broce
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS
Isabel Baldassaro
Lucy Stephens
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Sydney Eck
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Paige Bean
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Clara Burdick
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Mya Smith
Connor Vogel
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Michael Yi
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Reese Dunham
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Sophia Brockmeier
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editorial policy
The Harbinger is a student run publication. Published editorials express the views of the Harbinger staff. Signed columns published in the Harbinger express the writer’s personal opinion. The content and opinions of the Harbinger do not represent the student body, faculty, administration or Shawnee Mission School District. The Harbinger will not share any unpublished content, but quotes material may be con rmed with the sources. The Harbinger encourages letters to the editors, but reserves the right to reject them for reasons including but not limited to lack of space, multiple letters of the same topic and personal attacks contained in the letter. The Harbinger will not edit content though letters may be edited for clarity, length or mechanics. Letters should be sent to room 400 or emailed to smeharbinger@gmail.com.
story by reese dunham photo by ava towner
by alex sajna & ben bagby
design by julia campbell
art by francesca lorusso
PRESIDENTIAL
EDITORIAL
for: 9 against: 3
OVERREACH
OVERREACH
President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son is an overstep of his presidential power
LYING ON FEDERAL tax forms.
Trying to avoid $1.4 million in taxes. Crimes like this typically don’t disappear from a criminal record with the snap of a finger, not to mention potentially 25 years in prison. That is, unless your daddy, the President of the United States, gives you a full pardon.
This is exactly what President Joe Biden did. He pardoned his son Hunter Biden for 11 years worth of federal crimes just days away from when Hunter was supposed to be sentenced.
The constitutional passage regarding presidential pardons isn’t even 100 words, leaving room for interpretation. It states that “[the president] shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” This gives the president the ability to pardon any federal criminal charge in the U.S. — instead of and not just for
family members.
While vague, at this point it comes down to common sense and for Biden to merely observe the actions of previous presidents to know that a full pardon for over a decade of charges isn’t what was intended in the Constitution.
AS OF DEC. 12, BIDEN REDUCED PRISON SENTENCES FOR AMERICANS
1,500
Historically, presidents have pardoned family members, so the idea of a pardon isn’t anything new. However, pardons for crimes as egregious as Hunter’s and over such a long period of time is unheard of. The only presidential pardon that comes close to this is when Gerald Ford gave Richard Nixon a blanket pardon 50 years ago, according to former U.S. pardon attorney Margaret Love in an interview with Politico.
While constitutionally, pardons are virtually unlimited — this is a gross overreach of power.
This also sets a bad precedent for the child of any authority figure, political or not, furthering the standard that the rich and powerful can get away with anything.
The nepotism never seems to end. Soon, every fourth cousin of Biden will be pardoned for a speeding ticket.
If an East student gets a parking pass, nothing stops them from using the “my mom works in the office” excuse when Hunter was pardoned for countless crimes because “his dad’s the president.”
A further concern is the fact that barely a month ago the White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, released a statement saying that Biden wouldn’t pardon his son. To turn around three
The members of the editorial board who agree with the viewpoint of the editorial are represented by for, and those who disagree with the viewpoint are represented by against.
weeks later and reverse that decision with an 11 year pardon calls into question the trustworthiness of our president in his last month of presidency.
In his statement, Biden stated, “For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth.”
But it’s overly clear that it wasn’t the truth when he said that he would abide by the decision of the jury and not pardon Hunter.
Ridiculously, only Hunter’s drug and gun charges are mentioned in his official statement from the White House. The other who-knows-how-many crimes aren’t listed, rather just labeled as “offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed.”
May have committed? This is like a 5-yearold saying “I may or may not have taken a pack of gum from the store.” It’s obvious that the kid is lying and it’s obvious that there are other concerning crime committed by Hunter in this 11 year period.
The difference between Hunter and the 5-year-old, however, is that mommy probably would make her kid return the gum and apologize. Hunter on the other hand gets a squeaky clean record. This leads to the question of what these eliminated crimes were, and the possibility that Biden is attempting to cover something up in this pardon.
Pardons from former President Donald Trump, in his previous term, no matter how broad, specified the crime that was being pardoned, according to Love.
In his statement, Biden’s main concerns seem to be these two most recent crimes. If that’s the case then previously committed crimes should not be pardoned, only those that are a concern and exactly what’s being pardoned should be open to the public.
A precedent has been set for over two centuries by presidents that pardons must be necessary and reasonable. Not blanket pardons reserved for family members of the president. Future presidents need to take into account the fact that the ability to pardon was given as a privilege and needs to be used as such.
PARDONED RELATIVES P A R D O NED
according to n ews week
A list of presidents who pardoned their relatives ABRAHAM LINCOLN
His wife’s half sister, who was the wife of a Confederate General that was killed in battle, Emilie Todd Helm, was pardoned for being a rebel’s wife.
BILL CLINTON
Clinton pardoned his younger half brother, Roger Clinton, for cocainepossession and drug traf cking. A month later he was arrested for drunk driving.
DONALD TRUMP
Charles Kushner, Donald’s son in law, was pardoned for pleading guilty to 18 counts. Some including tax evasion, illegal contributions and for hiring a sex worker.
JOE BIDEN
Hunter Biden, Joe’s son, was pardoned, due to his conviction of three felony counts related to the purchasing of a gun, while on narcotics. He lied on federal documents about his drug use.
news
corinth library
BOARD MEMBERS
OF the Corinth Library have recently discussed what to do with the old building after a motion was introduced to tear the building down.
The Johnson County Library has 14 locations. The oldest, located at 8100 Mission Road in Corinth, celebrated its 61st anniversary this past February. According to the Johnson County Post, the building might soon be demolished due to the need for a more convenient drive-thru, larger
The Corinth Library board members are debating rebuilding the library and renovating it
meeting rooms, better accessibility and more modern design.
No time frame or plans are underway due to controversy throughout the Corinth and East area, according to the Johnson County Post. According to Johnson County Post, since the renovation will remove the library for time being, there is disputes among the Corinth area and throughout the East community living close to the library.
“I think it will be great to have a new and remoldeled library,”
stadium renovation
BOTH THE ROYALS
stadium
and the Chiefs stadium may be moved to the Kansas side of Kansas City, however, according to KCUR, National Public Radio Kansas City, there has been no further decision.
Since October, the Royals have been looking at two sites in Johnson County to build a new stadium. The first option is where the old Sprint campus lies currently on 119th and Nall across from Town Center. The second is Antioch and I-435, a lot currently being used as a mixed-use redevelopment.
“If we were to move to Johnson County it would be weird, since I have been going to [the stadium] located in Jackson County since I was little,” sophomore Bella Tilgner said. “But it
THE BAND HAS many
sophomore Charlotte Spears said. “But for the time being while it is being built, it will be weird to not have a close library to go to”
According to Johnson County, Prairie Villiage has already been making plans to construct a community center near Harmon park, and the proposed new building for the library also be part of this community center. However no official plans have been made.
clara burdick
VOICES
Giving the Lancer community a voice
ANDREW BENNETT
The Royals are looking at two sites in JOCO for their potential new stadium
would be cool for it to be so close.”
However, some are strongly opposed to these potential locations.
“It’s fun to drive out far to the stadium,” sophomore Annie Sandstrom said. “It’s just gonna make town center a more dangerous place, and there will be more traffic. I will probably go to less games because the experience of driving out there and tailgating won’t be there anymore.”
Additionally, both plans would cause Kansas City, Missouri to lose their sports teams.
The team has met and worked for seven years to be able to make plans to fund a new stadium.
Features of this new stadium will include things such as a turf field, new parking structures, pedestrian bridges, more suites, end-zone
clubs, larger video boards, an upper concourse canopy and more toilets and food and beverage concessions.
However, according to Forbes, 58% of Jackson County voters voted against the 3/8 cents tax to move the Royals stadium to the East Crossroads district and to help fund renovation for Arrowhead Stadium. According to Royal Review, the Royals did not make their selfimposed September decision on where they were going to move the stadium. According to KCUR, this has caused disputes between Jackson County officials and Royals leaders. If both officials don’t make a decision by sometime in December, Kansas City, Missouri will lose their teams to Kansas City, Kansas.
Symphonic is performing Sleigh Ride with the orchestra and they are beginning pep band for basketball and they continue to run the program called Honor Band
viewers.
“Originally it was composed to be a full orchestra,” sophomore Sofia Paddock said. “But we’ve been playing it just band people for a while, and I remember playing it last year. Just with the entire band. It’s very interesting combining with orchestra for Sleigh Ride.”
Band members also are doing Honor Band, which is for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. They come in every Tuesday after school and have the older band members mentor them. They help them to improve for when they will soon be in the high school band.
The pep band alone will soon perform during the boys basketball games.
They’re constantly learning new pieces to stay timely with the trending music, as well as continuing to improve their skill on existing songs that the entire school knows.
“We just play certain quick songs,” Paddock said. “And we’ve got conductors, and it’s very, very loud per usual, and we usually try to hype up the student section.”
Q: Tell me about symphonic band.
A: At semester we split into two bands and we audition [for them]. So symphonic band is the upper half and concert band is the lower half. For this year we combined with orchestra to play “Sleigh Ride” for their Christmas concert. Usually it’s just the band that plays it, but this year we decided to take some of the top chair placements [to combine with].
FRESHMAN MILES BROCE
Q: Tell me how pep band is going with preparations for basketball games.
A: [Pep band] is going good. We just got new music for freshman. [Last] Friday we [had] our first game so we [played] at that. We [also] change some music.
Q: What events do you have coming up?
A: We just split into groups, symphonic and concert band. Symphonic is th higher up, and concert is the lower, which most freshman get into.
Junior Shubra
DECEMBER 16, 2024
NO LONGER
story by vanessa blades
PERMITTED PERMITTED
East’s overpopulation has caused more students to park in the paid parking section without a permit, causing administrators to search for solutions
STUDENTS HAVE NOTICED
more and more underclassmen are parking in the unpaid parking spots without a permit, which has caused the 575 students who paid $50 for a permit to have difficulty finding a spot this year.
When arriving late to school, sophomore Fritz Kostner parked in a yellowlined reserved spot because he couldn’t find an open spot in the back row or in the Prairie Village Pool lot. He walked into school without a worry, but as he went to his fourth hour, his teacher, Mr. Wiesner, handed him a parking ticket.
“ I thought [tickets] were just a myth to trick people so they wouldn’t park in the senior lot,” Kostner said. “I didn’t think they would actually give me a ticket.”
The administration has been more proactive compared to last year by handing out parking tickets to prevent this from continuing. Associate Principal Dr. Anna Thiele walks around the parking lot in front of the school in the morning to make sure everyone parked has the proper permit. If the car doesn’t have a parking pass sticker, Thiele then takes pictures of the front of the car to show there’s no parking pass, and the back of the car to show the license plate,
making sure she gets the color of the lines in the picture.
“So there is no junior lot, sophomore lot, senior lot,” Thiele said. “Those do not exist, and I think we need to be really clear about that. There’s paid parking and there’s not-paid parking.”
She then forwards the pictures to the SRO’s so they can see who the car is registered under and find out who the car belongs to. The book keeper will then send out the email to the student and notify them of their ticket.
With the constant flow of emails about parking inconsistency and unavailable spots, Thiele and Principal Jason Peres are doing what they can do prevent the situation. With no future plans to combat the issue if it gets worse, they are hoping the tickets will help students learn their lesson.
The first offense is a $30 fine, the second offence is a $50 fine and the third offence is a $75 fine along with being denied a parking pass the following year. If you get a fourth offense, it results in another $75 fine and ineligibility to get a parking permit for the next two years.
They have given out a decent
RISING PENALTIES
amount of tickets starting in early November, but haven’t noticed any change in parking behaviors. With only Thiele managing the parking lots, it’s hard to catch everyone.
While the underclassmen have felt the repercussions of their actions, seniors are relieved action is being taken, according to senior Annabelle Covell. After years of being reprimanded by previous upperclassmen for their parking indecency, they now understand what it feels like to lose their own privileges.
“I know seniors are really mad as it feels like seniority is being taken away to some people,” Covell said.
Along with Kostner, many others have gotten parking tickets including junior Henry Stiglic, sophomore Avery Folger and junior Ava Perez.
“Sometimes when I’m coming back for my sixth hour, I purposely go five minutes earlier than I need to because I know I won’t be able to find a spot,” Covell said.
Pep execs have texted the “SME PEP CLUB” GroupMe multiple times to remind students to not park in the yellow lines if they don’t have a pass. The execs have noticed that this method seems to works for two days then its back to normal, according
to Annabelle Covell.
According to the execs, this year is so much worse then previous years because of the increase in enrollment.
“Teachers have been saying how there’s not parking in teachers’ parking and i’m assuming its because of this [increased enrollment,” Thiele said. “I think I need to start checking more in that area for sure because it’s not fair to staff.”
Hoping this clears up before the end of the year, the administration are doing what they can to end this problem and ensure it doesn’t keep continuing for upcoming years.
“Teachers have been saying how there’s not parking in teachers’ parking and i’m assuming its because of this [increased enrollment,” Thiele said. “I think I need to start checking more in that area for sure because it’s not fair to staff.”
Hoping this clears up before the end of the year, the administration are doing what they can to end this problem and ensure it doesn’t keep continuing for upcoming years.
Fines and punishments rise as unpaid parking offenses continue 2nd offense: 1st offense: $30 ne $32 ne ne 3rd offense: $32 4th offense: ne $32 2 year ban +
opinion
hot take
A bagel with smoked salmon on it is the best way to eat a bagel story by christopher long
BAGEL IN HAND , I walked down the wide streets of West Village in New York City. After scarfing down the whole bagel in three minutes, I never could have imagined eating one without its signature topping of smoked salmon.
While most people are scared to try salmon bagels, they are a tasty, nutritious breakfast option packed with protein and carbs.
Whether it’s from the salty, pungent smell it leaves on your hands, or the fishy taste, smoked salmon seems to have a poor reputation. But the residual smell is worth the mouth-watering combination of salty, fishy aromatic salmon and whipped cream
comic strip
art by avery foster
cheese.
Three years ago, during a 5 a.m. free Marriott breakfast raid, I asked where the salmon was. After looking across the room to see five people disgusted at the idea of salmon on a bagel, I realized that salmon was not the cream cheese complement I thought it was. When ordering a bagel of any kind, try adding a topping of salty salmon to elevate your breakfast. Since the ripe age of four, a bagel with lox has been the ketchup and french fry staple to my Sunday breakfast. I couldn’t fathom a smooth cream cheese bagel without the ocean smelling smoked fish sitting on top of it. With years of social interaction at breakfast,
*Instagram poll of 287 votes
*Instagram poll of 259 votes
I pitched the idea of topping a morning bagel with thinly sliced fish with minimal success. Despite my lack of success in creating more salmon-on-bagel connoisseurs, eating a salmon-less bagel is still a horrible breakfast option, only above not even eating breakfast at all. The next time you decide to partake in devouring a decadent bagel, opt for a mildly fishy breakfast and order a salmon bagel.
sta ranking
Harbinger staffer ranks the best shoes to wear to school
1
The best shoes to wear to school are a classic amongst all girls, which are Uggs or slippers. They’re comfortable and match with almost every out t.
The second best shoes that are practical for school are any type of sneaker. While some of these brands of shoes like converse can be tedious to put on, they’re still stylish and easy to wear.
2
3
Lastly, slides are the third best option of shoes for school, you throw them on when you’re feeling lazy and not trying super hard, but they get the job done.
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*Instagram poll of 327
REQUIRED SETBACKS
COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS
Graduation requirements that the following colleges look for
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA ATHENS 4 math and science
INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON 3.5 math credit UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AUSTIN 4 of each core class highly recommended UNC CHAPEL HILL 4 math credits CLEMSON UNIVERSITY 3 foreign language
design by miranda liberda photos by addie clark
DECEMBER 16, 2024
design by
by
SLEEP ON IT DON’T
People should be educated on the physical and mental strain of sleep disorders
story by larkin brundige
ITHOUGHT IT WAS normal. It had to be normal to fall asleep in class every week. People say lectures and notes put them to sleep all the time. Right?
I’ve always been under the impression that teenagers need more sleep, so it wasn’t concerning when I would come home from school every day, barely able to keep my eyes open. But this year, I found out it’s not normal.
Sleep disorders, which are disturbances to a standard sleep pattern, are often not recognized or not talked about including narcolepsy. This makes getting a diagnosis a treacherous process along with them not always being taken seriously. Being aware of the effects of sleep disorders is crucial to making those with them feel validated.
I was the friend who was asleep all the time. I felt sluggish, barely able to get through swim tryouts without feeling like my body was being weighed down. But, even when talking to the doctor, she insisted that I was tired because of my low iron — hah.
I knew something else was going on,
listened to. Temporary “fixes” like drinking electrolytes daily and waiting for my iron supplements to kick in in a matter of months. It was infuriating, to say the least.
I went to the doctor one more time, insisting that there was something going on beyond my control and even giving evidence, marking every time I had fallen asleep in class and taking time lapses of the sleep attacks I would have. Advocating for myself was my only chance at getting help after months of trying.
A wave of relief washed over me when the doctor assisting me finally gave me information for a local sleep specialist and even a note for the school nurse saying I was allowed to take naps during the school day if needed. But I shouldn’t have had to practically beg for help, I needed it long before I eventually got it.
So, when other people tell me they wish they could fall asleep as easily as me and that taking naps whenever I want is “nice.” I wish they could see the tears that have been a part of the grueling process of having a
because I’m asleep, but narcolepsy is handled with one key thing — rest.
I felt like I could finally breathe the first time I met with my sleep specialist. The appointment consisted of talking about what a regular day looked like for me, how often I nap and my medical history. Within 45 minutes she had narrowed down my symptoms into two different sleep disorders. With the correct help, it seemed that I was already finding solutions in under an hour — unlike the months I had spent talking to the wrong people.
One of the disorders she talked about was narcolepsy, which causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. The other being idiopathic hypersomnia — something I had never heard of.
Idiopathic hypersomnia is a sleep disorder with similar symptoms to narcolepsy but is unknown in its reason for happening. The specialist recognized that my symptoms were serious, even prescribing me medication to temporarily help me stay awake before I’m able to get an official diagnosis.
I’m not a lazy person. I’m not bored when I fall asleep. I’m not being rude when I need to rest. What I thought was out of my control is slowly, but surely being handled with care.
With a date set for a sleep study — which will monitor the stages of my sleep to give me a proper diagnosis of the unknown sleep disorder I have, medication and the help of my sleep specialist — my ability to enjoy my day is making its way back.
Sleep disorders aren’t glamorous or a blessing. People need to realize they are much more than just skipping out of class to take naps. My struggle deserves to be heard — not glorified.
02 OCT. SLEEP &
STUDY
Times Larkin has fallen asleep in school
14 AUG.
15 AUG.
19 AUG.
25 SEPT. 04 SEPT.
Fell asleep in math class
Extremely tired in psychology class
Fell asleep reading in 1st and 3rd hour Fell asleep during notes
07 OCT.
Fell asleep twice in english class
Had to be woken up three times in english
Took a 10 minute nap in english
tillie paisner photos
evelyn geheb
Tstory by lucy stephens
OPINION
Johnson County public schooling just as good if not better than private schooling and should not be looked down on
JUST AS EDUCATED
HE ACRID SMELL of chlorine hit my nose as I opened the doors to my first lifeguard training session. I was wearing a swimsuit that I didn’t think twice about when I picked it out from my closet — a black one-piece with the letters SME embroidered in blue and white on the chest.
Or at least I didn’t think twice about my swimsuit until one of my private-school coworkers called me my school, Shawnee Mission East, the “ghetto.”
I let out a laugh. She had to be joking. But she wasn’t. She stared puzzled at my stunned reaction, waiting for an answer like she didn’t just ask if my Mission Hills Country Club feeder school was full of hooligans.
After noticing my lack of response and dumbfounded face she replied, “Well you know, because anyone can go to your school.”
Right, but the public pool we worked at where literally anyone could walk in wasn’t “ghetto?”
EDUCATED
Her logic seemed beyond broken.
This stigma of undereducated, unserious Johnson County public schools isn’t just rude and hurtful, it’s downright inaccurate. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to explain that public schools can be just as academically rigirous as private schools, if not more.
My class size is four times bigger than most private schools and doesn’t come with a $10,000 price tag, but that doesn’t mean it’s ghetto. These comments imply public schools are run-down and unsophisticated – quite the opposite of East’s freshly painted halls and heavy attendance in honors classes.
And not that it’s a competition, but we have far more programs and classes, such as the Center for Acedemic Achievement and the IB curriculum.
It almost feels like these private schools kids are conditioned from the get-go to think they’re high and mighty for going to cost-as-much-as-a-yearof-morgage-payments schools.
A year ago at Center High School, I was herding a group of private-school third graders before they went onstage at a dance recital. One of them stuck out a finger and said “I can tell this is a public school” pointing to a dust bunny in the corner.
Another time, while volunteering, a mom said she was open to sending her child to Blue Valley North instead of Sion as a last resort. Maybe if she saw the Blue Valley North was ranked number one in Niche’s 2025 Best Public Schools in the Kansas City Area it wouldn’t be her “last resort.”
Don’t get me wrong, the stereotypical preppy private schools that have uniforms with pleated skirts and matzo ball soup for lunch might seem better than public school. I’ll even go as far to say that maybe if you attend these schools you’ll get into an Ivy-Leauge school or become the next president.
But going to these preppy schools won’t guarantee you a Harvard acceptance letter. Actually, the only person I have personally known to go to Harvard University went to a “trashy,” “ghetto” Johnson County public high school.
I’m on my twelfth year of public education I’m not any less educated or less sophisticated than a private school student. In fact maybe I’m the one more prepared for the real world knowing not to call a school I’ve never walked into, the
design by christopher long photos by katie cook
who’s who in the music department
Meet a few of the people who work in music department
Q: what is your favorite aspect of the classes you teach?
ERIC STARNES band
“WORKING WITH
KIDS
and working with working in a subject that kids enjoy, with students who are motivated, and this is one of their favorite things to do, and seeing that excitement and helping them get better.
“KEN FOLEY choir
I THINK JUST the teamwork and camaraderie. I get people from all different aspects of the school that do different things outside of here, but they come in for the same reason.
holiday traditions
Students’ favorite holiday traditions
“ CHARLOTTE WELLMAN FRESHMAN
I LIKE TO make cookies with my grandma. We like to make the thumbprint cookies with raspberry in the middle, and sometimes candy cane ones. Last year we made hot chocolate ones too.
OSCAR ORDONEZ SOPHOMORE
Band Classes:
- Marching Band
- Symphonic Band
- Concert Bands
- Jazz Band
- Music Technology
- Music Theory
Choir Classes:
- Freshman Choir
- Chamber Choir
- Men’s Choir
this week in photos
BELOW Seniors
5
8 different band classes available to take at East different choir classes available to take at East
BELOW Sophomore Catherine Sullivan and juniors Ava Carroll and Maggie McCarthy laugh and talk as they work on their final projects in ceramics
- Women’s Choir
- Choraliers
“
I LIKE TO decorate my Christmas tree with my family. My sister and I have been doing it with my parents for a long time, and its one of my favorite holiday traditions because I like spending time with them.
RIGHT Sophomore Annie Trenkle
photo by addie clark
Nathan Daniels and Quinn McCarthy work on building muscle structures with a fake skeleton in anatomy class
photo by rubi hakes
design by michael yi photos by lexi madden
SEIZING THE
FEATURE
Freshman Chase Reeves was cast as Johnny Warner, the male lead in “Zombie Prom” as a result of his years of musical theatre and dedication to the performing arts
SPOTLIGHT
story by
FRESHMAN CHASE
REEVES stepped out onto the stage, looking at the three teachers in the front row of the Dan Zollars Auditorium. He hustled over to Bob, the pianoman, handed him his music and quickly rediscovered his spot center stage.
“My name is Chase Reeves, I’m a freshman and I’ll be singing “Sandy” from “Grease.”
“Okay, you may begin.”
He took a deep breath, switched into character and started singing.
“Stranded at the drive in, branded a fool / What will they say, Monday at school?”
The pressure of the audition melted away as he sang the familiar lyrics. He was comfortable on stage. He belonged there.
Three nights later, the cast list was posted with Reeves’ name at the top next to Johnny Warner. The male lead in “Zombie Prom.”
While casting a freshman as the lead may seem unorthodox, Reeves is confident he’s fit for the role and will be able to impress the audience come spring.
“His voice is perfect for the role,” friend and fellow cast member junior Molly Minor said. “And just him as a person in general is very much Johnny Warner vibes.”
Reeves has been surrounded by musical theatre for years. He played
the male leads in both his seventh and eighth grade musicals — Will Parker in “Oklahoma!” in seventh grade and Jack Kelly in “Newsies” in eighth. He was even included in East’s production of “SpongeBob the Musical.”
But his musical career goes back even farther than the stage of Indian Hills Middle School.
“The first time I really performed was my second grade talent show,” Reeves said. ”I performed ‘You’re Welcome’ from ‘Moana.’ The first musical I ever did was [in] 4th grade [where] I was King Agnarr from ‘Frozen.’”
From there, he dedicated himself to theatre, joining Stage Right Performing Arts — a Kansas City youth theatre, acting and choir company — and the East freshman choir. He even takes acting workshops and lessons during the summer to further improve his skills.
He now estimates he’s taken part in around 50 musicals, working backstage, as an assistant sound engineer or, of course, on stage.
Thanks to Stage Right, Reeves has already participated in one production of “Zombie Prom.” Despite not playing the lead previously, he has a level of familiarity with the music and scripts he wouldn’t have otherwise.
But his experience with “Zombie Prom” doesn’t mean he can slack off.
The cast rehearses after school from 3-5 p.m. every day. Though right now
STAGE RECAP
Chase’s previous roles in school and Stage Right theatre
they’re mainly working on the first act where Reeves’ character is supposed to
“
HE’S REALLY
TALENTED and dedicated to what he does and good at acting, and I just think it’s a good part for him.
JORDAN O’BRIEN JUNIOR
be dead, he’s there every day to watch his fellow castmates and rehearse his part.
“It does get a little bit tedious sometimes, but I never drag going to rehearsal and it’s always kind of fun just to see my friends,” Reeves said.
Though he isn’t worried about learning any scenes, the number “Case Closed,” near the end of the show, has been on his mind.
“It’s this really complicated trio where Johnny is like rapping and there’s just a lot going on,” Reeves said. “I think that will probably be the most difficult, at least for me, but it’s also one of the more difficult [numbers] in the show.”
The people who know him and have seen him perform are confident he’ll be able to nail it. Junior Jordan O’Brien, a friend from Stage Right and fellow “Zombie Prom” cast member is more than willing to vouch for his abilities.
“He’s really talented and dedicated to what he does and good at acting, and
KING TRITON IN THE
HARBINGER
LITTLE MERMAID
IN NEWSIES
Ariel’s father who The charismatic newsboy controls and rules the oceans who leads a strike against publishing tycoons
16,
LIGHTING UP LIGHTING UP THE HOLIDAYS
Sophomore Aubrey Massoth has grown up on the renowned Candy Cane Lane and has had an innate spirit for the Holidays ever since
FOR 66 YEARS, one cul-desac has captivated Prairie Village residents every holiday season, but the Christmas lights shine much brighter for sophomore Aubrey Massoth than your average observer.
Massoth has grown up on Candy Cane Lane her whole life, and is thankful to reap the benefits.
“Living here has definitely made [Christmas] my favorite holiday,” Aubrey said. “We look forward to it every year, and I love telling people that I live here. I guess I thought that would go away as I got older, but that joy of telling people that is still there.”
Established in 1958 by a group of neighbors that wanted to coordinate their Christmas lights, the tradition has been illuminating Prairie Village and beyond ever since — gaining visitors from far outside the town itself. The group planted a small Christmas tree in the center of the median and decorated their homes untill their electric bills couldn’t take it anymore. Now, more than six decades later, the vibrant displays bring hundreds of locals to the single small street to celebrate the holiday season every year.
However, growing up in such an riveting environment has its challenges, with burned out lights and awkward positioning for the plentiful fixtures on rooftops. Thankfully, Aubrey’s parents
do most of the heavy lifting, stringing up all the lights on the roof and even getting a permit to display the lights. Though Aubrey still gets to decorate the bushes to her heart’s contempt.
Aubrey’s mom, Kristin Massoth, doesn’t mind the duty and the few inconveniently broken lights that seem to pop up every year — it’s all worth it in her mind because of the joy it brings her.
LIVING HERE HAS
de nitely made [Christmas] my favorite holiday. We look forward to it every year, and I love telling people that I live here.
AUBREY MASSOTH SOPHOMORE
“The best thing about Candy Cane Lane is the variety in the decorations,” Kristin said. “Even if there’s a traffic jam or some sort of technical issue, it seems to be worth it to people for the experience. It’s really fun to see it through the kid’s eyes too, it’s a nice part of their childhood.”
After urgently putting up lights on Nov. 1, the Massoth’s get a full winter of rest as they get to watch the cars pour in, and the Christmas spirit rise — that
CANDY CANE HIGHLIGHTS
Invites a vintage feel
Includes reindeer, a candy shop, Santa’s Workshop and more
is if there are no technical issues during the season. Aubrey especially loves being able to see their neighbors’ lights and any changes they’ve made.
“Though we never really change our [lights] unless we have to, every year I look at all the lights to see what has changed year-to-year,” Aubrey said. “There’s still definitely some signature pieces that are always there that kind of make the new additions even better in a way.”
But the festivities don’t end with lights, there are all sorts of activities and winterwonders to be found on the swirled-mint street.
Just across from the Massoth’s, Candy Cane Lane veteran Caitlin McPartland reminisces over past, present and future winter’s spent under the now-looming Christmas tree in the center of the street, lit up by the new-and-improved decorations.
“Carolers used to sing at the base of the tree on every opening night,” Caitlin said. “The tree used to be so little, it’s incredible to see it now. It really puts into perspective how far the tradition has come.”
The tradition of Candy Cane Lane won’t be leaving any time soon. It’s an assured spectacle for all those that visit — even if you’ve seen it each year, or grown up with the glowing beams of festivity wrapped around everywhere you look.
Found alone or with friends
Often seen with candy canes
Bring personality into the lane
story by preston hooker
vs. now
CHRISTMAS
Lights are a necessity
Both real and prob trees are used throughout the lane
A holiday staple
TOP The first ever Candy Cane Lane in the 1950s. photo courtesy of Caitlin McPartland
TOP Candy Cane Lane’s progession, as of 2024. photo by molly scott
Christmas decor commonly seen on Candy Cane Lane
WOODEN DECOR
SNOWMEN
TREES
design by ellen bowser
photos by molly scott
design by kai mcphail
SAMANTHA
SAMANTHA
WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY?
“
PROBABLY DURING QUARANTINE, actually. I joined middle school yearbook and started taking photographs there. I just continued it into quarantine because I was bored. [In quarantine] I would take photos of my family and found that I liked it a lot.
WHAT’S YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PART ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY?
“
JUST CAPTURING A speci c moment. My favorite thing is people seeing my photos and looking at their reactions, especially at the end of the year. In last year’s year book, I had this photo of cross country winning regionals, and it was a really cool moment seeing everyone react to that. I like that I can capture things that people can look back on.
HOW HAS YOUR WORK ON HAUBERK INFLUENCED YOUR FUTURE?
OVERALL, I JUST like the environment that we create, and kind of like the pace that we work at in journalism, and I think that would be fun to continue in college. Just having a group of people all working together for the same goal, it’s like a family.
Samantha’s Hauberk positions throughout all her years of high school
photo by francesca lorusso
design by sophia brockmeier
by
HANDS HEARTS TO
Senior Ainsley Pyle has managed the Christmas program at non-profit organization Hands to Hearts since her freshman year
TOP RIGHT Boxes of gift supplies including paper, bags and
SENIOR AINSLEY PYLE scanned through the aisles of T.J. Maxx, reading off the long list of Christmas wishes, hand-picking gifts and crossing them off as she went.
But in between the slime kits, Pokemon cards and unicorns, are requests for pillows, winter coats, paper towels and blankets — basic necessities they often can’t afford.
“
I’VE
ALWAYS WOKEN up on Christmas morning and had gifts waiting for me. So it makes me really happy to know that these kids will wake up on Christmas morning and get tangible gifts to open [as well].
AINSLEY PYLE SENIOR
“I’ve always woken up on Christmas morning and had gifts waiting for me,” Pyle said. “So it makes me really happy to know that these kids will wake up on Christmas morning and get tangible gifts to open [as well].”
Pyle has been the manager of the Christmas program at non-profit organization Hands to Hearts since her freshman year, after being asked by her mom to take it over when the previous manager had left.
She receives wishlists from a coordinator at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools with blanks for children’s ages, clothing size and what they want for Christmas. From there, Pyle assigns the families to people who sign up to “adopt” a family to buy gifts for. The sponsors then drop off their gifts at the KCK District Office where they are delivered to the families.
For the families who aren’t “adopted,” Pyle, her family and her friends go shopping for up to eight hours straight to buy the rest of the gifts with donation money and leave with a 4-foot long receipt.
“Even though I don’t [actually] know these families, I feel like I know them personally in a way, because I’m seeing their whole personalities come through on these lists,” Pyle said. “Especially for the teenagers, seeing
them ask for the exact same things I’m asking for, it really does slap you in the face.”
Pyle’s grandmother Marilyn Jahnke founded Hands to Hearts in 2009 after coming back from a mission trip in South Africa and seeing the financial struggles of the children at schools there. Upon her return, she sat around a table at a coffee shop talking with her mission group.
“The discussion went to, ‘We have children 20 minutes from us that go to bed hungry at night,’” Jahnke said. “So we began looking at what we could do about that.”
Hands to Hearts started the Christmas program six years after being founded. The KCK Public Schools recognized the need for gifts and reached out to Hands to Hearts, according to Jahnke.
“I think you just have to make yourself look around,” Jahnke said. “It’s so easy to get into our own little life and not look beyond and realize that 20 minutes from us, there are children who don’t have a coat.”
“I THINK YOU just have to make yourself look around. It’s so easy to get into our own little life and not look beyond and realize that 20 minutes from us, there are children who don’t have a coat.
MARILYN JAHNKE FOUNDER OF HANDS TO HEARTS
When Pyle has free time at school, she often manages the program by inputting information from her flood of emails from family sponsors to Google Sheets and Docs through her computer.
From being asked to manage the program as a 14-year-old, to developing an understanding for teenagers who aren’t as fortunate as her, the program has become a big part of her life.
“When [my mom] she asked me [to help], I was like, ‘Yeah, sure, why not?’” Pyle said. “But now [the program is] like my child. Nobody else touches it, it’s mine. I would not give it up for anything because it’s so special to me now.”
photos
rubi hakes
ABOVE Pyle holds two presents that she wrapped on Dec. 8.
story by grace pei
& e
Song Title:
If I Could Touch the Sky
Artist:
Storm Recorder
(feat. Kim Harris)
Release Date: Nov. 13
a pop & popcorn
One of the movies advertised by the Hallmark Christmas Experience; featuring a song in the soundtrack
Movie Title:
Starring: Hot Frosty
Release Date: Nov. 13 Genre:
Holiday Romance, Comedy
picture
Visit the first-ever Hallmark Christmas Experience at Crown Center open Nov. 29 to Dec. 22 (holiday edition)
Crown Center, KS
Hallmark Christmas Experience Shopping Center CARPENTER
released her holiday special “A Nonsense Christmas,” featuring guests including Chappell Roan
summer moon
Summer Moon’s unique approach to Christmas coffee made their beverages the best of the season
story by christopher long
ROME,
The National’s live recorded album features the band’s hits in a 21song length LP
NUTMEG, savory notes and sweet cinnamon aftertastes came alive as I took my first sip of one of Summer Moon’s specialty holiday lattes.
Summer Moon, a coffee cafe on 91st and Metcalf, offers a unique approach to the world’s most popular coffee category — christmas drinks.
They advertise three drinks: a Peppermint Mocha Moon, a nuanced version of the christmas cookie latte, called a Christmas Cookie Moon and a Roasted Chestnut Latte.
The salty-meets-sweet approach that Summer Moon used when whisking the ingredients and sprinkling spices over their roasted chestnut latte made for a perfect level of sweetness. Their Christmas Cookie
Moon latte kicked Starbucks’ to the curb. Summer Moon elevated Starbucks’ overwhelmingly sweet froth to cinnamon and nutmeg flavors blending together.
To top it off, they added a generous layer of whipped cream and classic red, green and white colored sprinkles to make it taste like Christmas.
Although some might think that peppermint mochas are overpowering in their mint intensity, Summer Moon’s version presented the coffee industry with a drink that has a taste with perfect amount of peppermint and mirrors licking a candy cane.
Despite a small variety of holiday drinks, Summer Moon offers an old-fashioned tribute to the original holiday lattes. It’s a trek to Metcalf, but their innovative Christmas beverages are worth it.
RIGHT The espresso machine pours out coffee for a customer. Many items on Summer Moon Coffee contain espresso including lattes, cappuccinos and specialty holiday drinks.
photo by tyler russell
RIGHT Right next to the register on the wall at Summer Moon is a collection of merchandise available for purchase. There was anything from hats to mugs and t-shirts to the shop’s own ground coffee.
photo by tyler russell
SABRINA
Lacey Chabert (Mean Girls) & Dustin Milligan (Schitt’s Creek)
LEFT The barista puts the ground coffee beans into the portafilter. The portafilter was used to condense the beans into a fine powder before being placed into the espresso machine to brew.
photo by tyler russell
INTRODUCTION
story by avni bansal
KANSAS’S WHEAT FIELDS and vast plains are nothing like the Mediterranean’s chalky soil and evergreen shrubs, so coming across herby and fresh spices is rare. Kansasmade Mediterranean food often uses extra salt and processed ingredients, denying customers the vast variety of aromatic flavors of Mediterranean cooking. But, I decided to test my luck at Sidos, a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant in Overland Park. This location, inspired by the original restaurant opened by the owner’s
from the Middle East and uses family recipes and specific cutting methods for their meat.
While I browsed through the menu, my server recommended his personal favorites while he talked about the restaurant’s Jordanian origin. While I was ordering a $3 mint lemonade, he offered to pour me complementary Arabic coffee. I loved the zesty sweetness of the lemonade and the cardamom taste of the coffee.
I WAS INITIALLY overwhelmed by the 15 ingredients listed for the shish kebab and its two sides, tabbouleh and roasted eggplant dip. The $20 price tag also seemed excessive — until it arrived.
The main dish of three skewers of ground beef and lamb, sumac onions, grilled tomatoes and onions, muhammara, pita bread and yellow rice wasn’t too filling, and I still had room to enjoy pita bread topped with the sides.
My server explained that the dip, made with grilled eggplant, pomegranate molasses, olive oil and pecans, was authentic baba ganoush with the same ingredients that are used in Jordan. The complex ingredients tasted smoky and
CHICKEN SHAWARMA
earthy compared to the overly salty and creamy, Kansas-style baba ganoush.
The tabbouleh was made of parsley, tomatoes, cracked wheat, green onions, olive oil and lemon juice. It was satisfyingly cold and incredibly strong with a peppery parsley taste.
I placed the grilled skewers on pita bread and topped them with the sumac onions to make a tasty combination of tender meat and chilled, spicy onions.
The rice balanced out the spicy chilli flavor from the muhammara and the delicious charred vegetables were a fitting addition to the dish.
This singular dish had so many different foods and spices, and the combination of these ingredients made it fun to eat. It was as if I was getting three dishes for the price of one.
SHISH KABAB
WRAPPED IN A tortilla and filled with shawarma sauce and marinated chicken, the chicken shawarma came with pickles, olives and garlic sauce that enhanced the dish.
The cubed chicken was cooked evenly and each piece was slightly sour from the sumac spice and citrusy caraway seeds. It was appetizing, soft and left a burst of herby and garlicky flavor in my mouth.
The thick, creamy and salty garlic sauce was mind-blowingly delicious with a fitting amount of tanginess.
The slightly sweet tortilla, chilled sauce and juicy chicken made each bite incredibly flavorful with a balance of saltiness and tanginess.
LENTIL SOUP
A BRIGHT, GREENISH-YELLOW lentil soup created by blending cumin, parsley, carrots, lemon and caramelized onions was served to me with crunchy browned pita chips and garnished with parsley. The smooth soup’s earthy lentil flavor paired well with the freshly squeezed lemon and contrasted the crunchy pita chips. Compared to my usual brand of Stacy’s pita chips, these browned chips had a stronger bread-like flavor and way less salt.
In contrast, the olives were extremely bitter — just the way I like them — and the pickles added a sour crunch to the chicken shawarma. Each aspect of this dish went together wonderfully and I loved the use of simple ingredients, like pickles and olives, to add extra flavor. The chicken shawarma was split into eight pieces, making it easy to hold in your hand and pop in your
I liked that the soup was thick but not creamy, and the soft texture of lentils lingered in my mouth.
and bittersweet cumin. The soup felt healthy and satisfying — with not too much salt or heavy cream — and I was able to eat the whole bowl without feeling too full. Even though I’m not a big fan of soup, this lentil soup impressed me, and it’s an appetizing side that goes flawlessly with other dishes on Sidos’s menu. rma.
design by evelyn bagley
photos by ava towner
Sidos, a newly opened Mediterranean restaurant, offers authentic and flavorful dishes inspired by recipes from Jordan
Not only is the movie “Y2K” a complete miss at a horror comedy, but it also disses one of the most iconic periods in the last century story by caroline beal
PEOPLE
Y2 Y2 CONFUSING CONFUSING TO KNOW
Significant actors and the characters they play to know before watching
Kyle Mooney as Garrett
Julian Dennison as Danny
Rachel Zegler as Laura
Jaeden Martell as Eli
“
WHILE I SEE how this could appeal to older generations, I lost track of how many side eyes I got after my mom had to whisper what every 90s references meant in the theater.
photo
HOT COCOA, FUZZY socks and the newest Kansas City-themed Hallmark Channel movie.
For any Chiefs or cheesy movie enthusiast, let me introduce to you the perfect winter watch: “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.”
“Holiday Touchdown” is an endearing watch that excellently incorporates cheesy romance, Kansas City celebrities, classic landmarks and an engrossing love story. The movie stars Tyler Hynes as Derrick Taylor and Hunter King as Alana Higman.
The Higman family is filled with stereotypical, Chiefs-obsessed, die-hard fans. I loved the dedication to the team in the movie that many of my own neighbors share. They practically bleed yellow, red and white as they own a quaint Chiefs merch store and are generational fans.
LET’S
JUST SAY I never thought I’d be at the edge of my seat, cheering for actors to nd a wool hat, while watching a Hallmark movie.
So naturally, they signed up for the Chiefs’ Fan of the Year contest — run by Director of Chiefs Fan Engagement Derrick Taylor.
When Derrick first met Alana and her family, they showed him their lucky, seemingly hand-knit pom-pom red and yellow hat. Alana and her family believed that if her family wears the hat on the Christmas day game then the Chiefs will get to the Super Bowl.
Derrick didn’t believe Alana and her hat — in fact, he laughed in her face when she told him, which made me annoyed.
But one ill-fated day, the lucky hat is stolen and all hopes of getting to the Super Bowl are lost. I was left to dwell on my feelings — debating between who stole the hat and what the Higmans would do while trying to win Fan of the Year.
Let’s just say I never thought I’d be at the edge of my seat, cheering for actors to find a wool hat, while watching a Hallmark movie. But, the romance between Alana and Derrick, such as dinner dates and baking together, only
added to the cheesy ambiance.
In classic Hallmark movie fashion, the two star-crossed lovers weren’t always crazy about each other. I loved the enemies-to-lovers tacky romance that created a “comfort movie” vibe — a mindless film that can be watched at any time.
Even though I predicted every twist and turn, such as the hat getting stolen, I enjoyed curling up on a couch and immersing myself in the movie for the evening. The act of decompressing for two hours and the slight mystery kept me entertained.
Moments like Derrick purchasing a heartfelt gift for Alana and the pair admiring an empty Arrowhead Stadium added to the chemistry between the two. Although the acting wasn’t Oscar-worthy, it gave me a cozy, Christmas-y feeling that award winning movies such as “Oppenheimer” and “Poor Things” can’t replicate.
I relished in the romantic touches, but overall found that the plot was the most appealing part of the movie. The film shared Alana’s family history: her mother and father met and got engaged at a Chiefs’ game.
The scrapbook-style details to “Holiday Touchdown” made me feel like I was just opening up a dusty family album and looking through the vintage photos. Alana’s photos were displayed on the screen in black and white and on rustic paper.
Additionally, the puzzle of the missing hat was weaved throughout the storyline and allowed me to make conclusions about who might have stolen the item. It added a unique touch to an otherwise generic Hallmark plot.
“Holiday Touchdown” included many familiar Kansas City faces like Donna Kelce and mayor Quinton Lucas. I found myself gasping when I saw another local celebrity, a fun touch only Chiefs fans would notice.
Seeing current Chiefs players like Trey Smith and former players such as Trent Green gave the movie a scavenger hunt feel, something that other Hallmark movies can’t achieve. Spotting landmarks like the River Market, Country Club Plaza and Crown Center
felt like a game of extreme “I Spy.”
They even saved the best surprise actor for the last: Andy Reid. His five-second cameo was immaculate and definitely the best surprise
HALLMARK TOUCHDOWN
“Holiday Touchdown” is a heartwarming watch that combines romance, unique plot details and Kansas City icons
story by sophia brockmeier
KC CAMEOS
KC CAMEOS
ANDY REID
Had
Well-known Kansas City individuals that appeared in “Holiday Touchdown”
DONNA KELCE
Travis Kelce’s mom plays the manager of a Kansas City barbeque restaurant
TRENT GREEN
Former Chiefs player
Runs a charity football event at Crown Center in the movie
Head football coach for the Chiefs
a small part in the end of the movie at a Chiefs game
new traditions
ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE TEAM YOU MADE IN WINTER TRYOUTS?
*Instagram poll of 386 votes
BOTTOM RIGHT Juniors Mirabelle Heinen, Claire Polanco and senior Lucy Pace come together to sing the school song.
photo by paige bean
CENTER Sophomore Coco Resier shoots a layup as her defender attempts to swat the ball.
photo by addie clark
Christopher was selected for First Team AllSunflower League as a tight end Beikmann
Eve
scored a 3-point shot during the powderpuff game at Late Night in the Castle
BOTTOM LEFT Junior Sawyer Chapman swims the 100 yard butterfly in the sixth event of the Olathe East Dual.
photo by sylvie degalan
TOP LEFT Senior Leila Zotinca tosses the ball up to the basket to score during the powderpuff game.
photo by paige bean
design by michael yi
Late Night in the Castle was hosted in the gym on Dec. 3
story by michael yi
EAST HOSTED the first ever “Late Night in the Castle” event after the basketball jamborees to celebrate the upcoming boys and girls basketball season. During the event, the lights were dimmed and each basketball team was spotlighted in a haze with foam blue and white LED sticks held by the audience. Band, cheer and dance gave performances.
The event was planned by
East parents and funded by local sponsors and T-shirt sales. Cheer President Debbie Jackson came up with the idea to adapt the KU “Late Night in the Phog” tradition to East and create “Late Night in the Castle.”
“I thought it was really fun,” varsity basketball player Jefferson Paben said. “I loved how each team got to have their own spotlight, and how everybody got to showcase their skills, like cheer, dance and basketball.”
a stroke forward
Head girls swim coach Chris Copeland is assistant coaching boys swim this year
CHRIS
COPELAND
Head Boys Swim Coach @ SMW 20102012
“WHEN I had the opportunity to coach with Coach Wright, I was just like, yes, yes, and yes. He won’t admit it, but he’s a legend in high school coaching, so I feel honored and privileged to learn some of his tactics.
Coached Empire KC Swim Club and Homestead Country Club
GLASS GLASS CLASS
SCAN ME PHOTO
Scan here to view and purchase photos from this photo story
ABOVE Senior Scout Jacobs uses a brush with glue to stick small pieces of glass on to her glass circle. Jacob’s project will be a bowl after she molds it and puts it into the kiln. “It’s a really nice class,” Jacobs said. ”You have so much freedom in it, [our teacher Jennifer] Hensley gives us the requirements and then we can do whatever we want with it.”
Students in the first-ever Chemistry of Art class are working with glass to create a variety of unique works for their last project of the semester
are displayed on the table as an example of what the colors will look like if used for the project. “This is the first time that we’ve done glass work at SM East,” Jacobs said.
by ava towner
ABOVE Pieces of glass lay on a plan for a student’s project. Each student was required to draw a detailed plan before beginning their project.
photo by paige bean
photo
ABOVE Junior Kai Campbell hits a piece of glass with a metal ball to break it down until it snaps. Campbell decided to create a window-hanger designed with different sizes of rectangles in a moon shape.
photo by paige bean
photo by paige bean
RIGHT Campbell uses pliers to snap a large piece of glass at the seam where he scored it. Campbell scored the glass to get a rough shape of his design. “It’s a fun project,” Campbell said. “It’s different from a lot of things you might do in other classes.”
photo by ava towner
story by ada lillie worthington
reindeers, with each one performing on different nights. Her group didn’t get as much practice time pulling the sled that the Snow Queen and King, Clara and the Nutcracker ride in compared to the other — only about two run throughs in total.
But it was opening night of KC Ballet’s Nutcracker. It had to go right.
Meanwhile, freshman Caroline Kruse stood with the rest of the “Snow Choir,” comprised of girls playing the parts of Matryoshka Children, Umbrella Tea Children or Angels who sing the music for the Snow Scene. Later, Caroline would stand in the wings where Devon stood with her red, Matryoshka Child bonnet and blue skirt, anxiously running through her choreography.
But this wasn’t the first time Devon and Caroline experienced opening night jitters.
It was their first one together. As best friends.
Caroline and Devon have both
HARBINGER
VE OF THE
merged in seventh grade.
“Me and [Devon] became friends during COVID, so they didn’t have [the Nutcracker] then, and then last year she wasn’t in it,” Caroline said. “So is this our first year doing it together for real and in the same dressing room.”
Now that they’ve gone through grueling five-hour tech rehearsals over the weekends together, they have even more opportunity to grow their friendship outside of school. They can talk with each other during dinner breaks or listen to the music over the dressing room speakers as they dance the parts they’ve learned vicariously through the company dancers.
They’ve even
Nutcracker] then, and then last year she wasn’t in it, so is this our first year doing it together for real and in the same dressing room.
CAROLINE
KRUSE
FRESHMAN
The complexities that come along with being in a ballet company, like all-day rehearsals and shows, are something non-dancers can’t relate to. The two have easy conversation and can comprehend the struggles each experience with their parts.
“It’s good to have that shared interest and somewhat of a shared schedule,” Carrie said. “Just someone with the same interests and the same dedication and commitment to something.”
Audiences can see Caroline and Devon perform in the KC Ballet Nutcracker from now until Dec. 24. While audience members may not be able to see Caroline and Devon’s friendship from their seats, their quick smiles across the stage will always be there.
“It’s exciting, and [I’m] proud to see all their hard work pay off,” Carrie said. “Depending on the part, you’re kind of holding your breath, and then they do their thing and do a great job, and afterwards you’re just proud and relieved that it went well.”
Dev Caroline
Started dance at three years old
Been in three Nutcracker productions
Performed as a Soldier, Umbrella Tea Child and a Reindeer
Started dance at three years old
Been in six Nutcracker productions
Performed as a Cherub, Baby Mouse, Soldier, Party Girl and Matryoshka Child Dream role is to be an Angel
design by bella broce photos by simon shawver
DECEMBER 16, 2024
FEMALE ATHLETE
FINATIC
story by lucy wolf
JUNIOR FINA KESSLER
pressed play on her Spotify playlist, shuffling through many songs.
“Only Girl” by Rihanna.
“Obsessed” by Mariah Carey
“Lush Life” by Zara Larson
Finally she leanded on “Diva” by Beyoncè — the perfect song to play while welcoming in members of the Female Athlete Club for their first meeting on Nov. 22 in Room 301.
During the meeting, fourteen club members created colorful posters to hang up around the school, encouraging other female athletes to join the club by scanning a QR code to their GroupMe. While singing along to each girl-empowering song, Kessler knew she’d done something right by creating this club — she met her goal of creating a safe space for all female athletes at East.
The Female Athlete Club is a community and support system meant to encourage each other and give advice to others that play their sport, according to Kessler. While the meetings have just begun, Kessler hopes to normalize talking about athlete’s mental health and nutrition, while giving insight on each topic that she’s learned from leadership camps over the years.
foundation for us to support each other is important.”
When it came time to bring the club to life, Kessler wanted someone who was involved in sports to be her sponsor. So she reached out to her freshman year volleyball coach and AP United States History teacher Jenny Jordan, who according to Fina was the perfect fit.
“When she first mentioned the club to me, I thought it was a great idea,” Jordan said. “ The way she pitched it to me as being a way for women to meet and be a resource for each other, while also talking about healthy habits and mental health, I really liked the idea.”
On Dec. 3, East held the You Belong Activity Fair, where students were able to walk around to different club tables and learn about them. The Female Athlete Club had a table ran by Kessler and her friend and junior Talia Augstine, where they informed students about the club.
“[Augustine and I] used posters from the first meeting and spread them across the table along with a big poster of club information and a QR code to join the GroupMe,” Kessler said. “Then we had a girl from each sport to represent what they play so girls could come up to the table asking them about it.”
herself ‘How can I create something like that at East?’ the Female Athletes Club was her solution.
As the club grows, Kessler has gained recognition from her friends and family for creating a club where all females can belong at East.
“When Fina told me about the club, I thought it was so cool that she was starting something bigger than herself,” Augustine said. “I instantly wanted to help her with it.”
As the year and club progresses, Kessler says she hopes to have college athlete guest speakers come to future meetings so the girls can ask them about their experience or different questions regarding their sport. That way multiple different sports are represented for each girl as opposed to just basketball or soccer.
with Hoops4Her in support of the Female Athlete Club while engaging more young girls into learning how to support each other
HOOPS4HER
SCAN ME CITE Scan
“Knowing other female athletes [is great] if you are struggling with something because maybe they can help by giving you advice,” Kessler said. “Also obviously girls sports aren’t publicized as much as guy sports, so having that community and
After the fair, the GroupMe had 50 new members.
Inspiration for the club came from Kessler’s nonprofit organization Hoops4Her — focusing on empowering girls through basketball, fostering self-leadership and community. According to Kessler, she will be traveling to Kenya next summer to host a basketball camp, while teaching girls there mental health and nutrition through her organization. So when Kessler thought to
Kessler hopes to increase club meeting attendance throughout the year by encouraging all female athletes to attend the meetings and feeling comfortable enough to show up to them.
“As of now, some people are going to the meetings, but not enough,” Kessler said. “We are at that age where people don’t want to go unless their friends are going or they think it’s weird to attend club meetings. But I want to break that barrier and try to get more girls to come to the meetings.”
Regarding the future of the club, Kessler hopes to hold more meetings and partner
Hoops4Her has the mission of empowering girls through the sport of basketball. Fina has planned a basketball camp in Kenya next summer. It’s a week long camp for 50 middle school and high school girls from neighboring communities. Fundraisers for Hoops4Her will be held during East basketball games.
design by clara burdick
photo by zac russell
All Female Athlete Club at East was created by junior Fina Kessler to help girls feel more supported and empowered through sports in the community
photo courtesy of fina kessler
IBREAKING
DOWN HIS GAME
T SMELLS LIKE fried food and machine oil in Ward It smells like fried food and machine oil in Ward Parkway Lanes as senior Christian Lahey unzips his black-and-orange bowling bag. A few lanes down, children shovel onion rings into their mouths and first dates fumble through awkward small talk over the sound of crashing pins.
But Lahey doesn’t buy snacks or chat with friends or even sit down. He’s here to bowl.
Gripping his 15-pound purple ball in his left hand and cupping it in his right, he rushes forward towards the foul line and plants his right leg as he spins the ball towards the pins, collecting all but one. He sags a little as he turns. Every little factor — speed, hook, ball reaction — must be perfected in bowling. A few boards separate a gutterball from a strike.
ball reaction
The way a bowling ball moves down a lane after it’s thrown
With the boys bowling season starting Dec. 8 and the first meet coming, Lahey is practicing at Ward Parkway as often as he can before his fourth and final season in a record-breaking career. Over the past four years at East, Lahey has overcome game anxiety and practiced intensely to set East scoring and competition records and earn athletic offers from four colleges.
***
As the only freshman to make varsity, Lahey didn’t know the upperclassmen in his first team at East. Head coach Frederick Elliott said that he seemed shy, and former varsity bowler Matt Martucci said that he seemed “mysterious” to the upperclassman roster.
Elliott saw his potential, but he also saw Lahey’s struggles. He needed to work on his technique. He missed most of the season due to grades and injuries. And he was a perfectionist.
“He had to get over the mental game,”
GAME
Elliott said. “He always thought he had to be the best.”
In sophomore year, Lahey was able to play the whole season, but he felt like his performance wasn’t good enough. He started going to practice at Ward Parkway several times a week whenever his dad was willing to pay for a couple games, training every aspect of his game — form, balance, timing and approach.
“My sophomore year, the first half of that season was pretty bad,” Lahey said. “I got a lot better from the beginning to the end. I just wasn’t really that good, to be honest. I needed to get better.”
Lahey watched professional bowlers like Jason Belmonte to learn from them — analyzing when they released the ball and how far they pulled back. Martucci remembers seeing Lahey at Ward Parkway every time he would go to practice.
“He takes it seriously, and he’s a competitor,” Martucci said. “He gets really fired up when he’s doing good. And I really like the kid, because he always motivated me to bowl better too.”
At regionals that year, Lahey bowled well above his average, scoring 665 points to secure the team’s place at state. At state, he placed fifth individually, breaking 700 points for the first time in his career.
When Lahey realized that he could break 700 in his third game at state, he started getting nervous. To help him relax, Elliott used humor to help him ease up.
“I make him laugh, because sometimes he takes it too seriously,” Elliott said. “When he’s bowling, he’s focused. So once in a while in state or regionals, I have to say, ‘Hey watch out for that gutterball!’”
Since starting his job at Ward Parkway behind the food counter two years ago, you can often find Lahey practicing there, using his free bowling perks upwards of five times a week. Sometimes he practices with senior Jack Trusty, and they exchange tips and advice.
“In his freshman and sophomore year, I would see him get a little more stressed
out,” Trusty said. “But last year he kept his cool a little bit better, and he was more calm. I’ve seen him develop and just go with the game.”
Six frames into his current Ward Parkway game, Lahey’s already missed a spare and far too many strikes for this game to stack up against his two perfect 300s last summer. But he wipes off his ball again and lines up his approach without missing a beat.
“He’s mentally tough,” Elliott said. “Probably the most mentally tough kid I ever had for bowling. He doesn’t have any major letdowns. He just pops right back.”
DISSECTING HIS
METHODS
TWO-HANDED
The two-handed bowling method is when the bowler doesn’t use the thumb hole, which ends in a smoother release, more power and accuracy.
LEFTHANDED
“Easier to learn, but harder to improve at” said Lahey. Left-handed bowlers are uncommon, so the left side of the lane has better track and more oil to help the ball roll. Many bowlers like Lahey learn how to bowl left-handed because of the advantages.
design by reese dunham
photo by ava towner
Senior Christian Lahey has developed his mental and physical skills to become East’s top bowler story by michael yi
DECEMBER 16, 2024
BUNDLING UP BABY
WINTER PREDICTION
As Winter approaches students prepare for the cold conditions
Predicted temperatures and snowfall for this OF SNOWFALL INCHES 1.6 OF SNOWFALL INCHES 1.2 OF SNOWFALL INCHES 1.5
upcoming winter according to The Kansas City Star
Student shares her experience falling on ice before school DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY
SIGNS OF
ON THIN ICE
Even though it’s recommended to wear warm clothing many East students wear shorts during the winter “ TY SCHABER JUNIOR
YOU WEAR SHORTS IN THE WINTER?
BLACK ICE LOW TEMPERATURES RAIN OR SNOW SHINY SPOTS AREAS THAT APPEAR WET
EMORY NAYLOR SENIOR
“
I WEAR SHORTS all of winter because of sports and I don’t usually get that cold. I’ll wear pants when it’s gets below 20 [degrees].
SNOW DAYS
Common snow day superstitions and a students perspective
Snow days
Sleep with a spoon under your pillow
Wear your pajamas inside out and backwards
Flush
IT WAS A late start, so I was out getting breakfast, and it was perfectly ne. Then when I got to school the temperature dropped a lot, and all of the roads iced over. Then I was walking down from the sophomore parking lot, and slipped and fell. had a bunch of stuff in my hands, so I didn’t catch myself very well and broke my ankle.
“ NIA ZUGELDER JUNIOR
EVERY TIME A snow day is mentioned I try to pretend it won’t happen. I try to cancel it out. I’ll get everything ready for the next day. I’ll just pack everything. Get my lunch ready, get my clothes ready, just get everything ready, and do all my homework. And then I’ll wake up and it will be a snow day.
design by sydney eck
photos by vivien glenski & caroline black