The Harbinger Issue 10 2023-24

THE

harbinger...

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 7500 MISSION ROAD PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS 66208 FEBRUARY 5, 2024 VOLUME LXVI ISSUE 10

FRIENDS O ver the course of 10 years, fre shman O wen Wagstaff and sophomore Andrew Rhode s have developed a m eani ngful f rie ndship throu gh su ppor ting e a c h othe r in and o ut o f school

A LOOK INSIDE:

page 5...

Extreme cold temperatures and snow days impact students’ everyday lives

18...

26...

Senior Luke Pearcy builds his “Leanhead” Spotify rapper brand

Photos of the rivalry varsity basketball game against Rockhurst

02 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

THE HARBINGER

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de sig n b y ave r y an de rs o n

c o v e r d e s ig n b y kat i e m u rp hy c o v e r p h o to b y ke n n a h a rri n g t o n

V i si t sm ehar b i nger. net to vi ew ad ditiona l storie s, ga lle rie s, podc a st s a nd v ide os

A current e v ent ha p p e n i n g i n C h e s n u t Hi l l , Massachuset t s, ac cord ing to T he G ato r n e w s s i te

The Brimmer and May School recently hosted their annual Bissell Grogan Humanities Symposium where the topic of AI and its uses in school took center stage The Director of Technology, Jason Bock, has vouched for the use of AI in schools saying it can be more useful than not and could help spark creativity

SCAN ME WEBSITE Visit this link to view more stories from The Gator

ʼnőÁƅ ěĆʼnő PRINT EDITORS K atie Murphy Greyson Imm

THE GATOR THE BRIMMER AND MAY SCHOOL

DESIGN EDITORS Veronica Mangine Bridget Connelly

ONLINE EDITORS

ASST. DESIGN EDITOR

HEAD COPY EDITORS

Bridget Connelly Maggie Kissick

Aanya Bansal Maggie Kissick Greyson Imm Aanya Bansal

K ai McPhail

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS

ASST. PRINT EDITORS

ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS

ASST. ONLINE EDITORS

ART EDITOR

Addie Moore Avery Anderson Connor Vogel Larkin Brundige

ASST. HEAD COPY EDITOR Ada Lillie Worthington

HEAD PHOTO EDITORS Riley Scott Liv Madden Kenna Harrington

VIDEO EDITORS Abby Lee Ryder Hendon

ASST. PHOTO EDITORS Caroline Martucci Clara Peters Amelie Wong

ASST. VIDEO EDITORS Mason Sajna Alex Sajna

SCAN ME WEBSITE

Isabel Balsassaro Lyla Weeks

Bridget Connelly

ASST. ART EDITOR K ai McPhail

PODCAST EDITOR Emma Krause

PHOTO MENTORS

ONLINE POST MANAGER Luciana Mendy

COPY EDITORS

K atie Murphy Greyson Imm Maggie Kissick Aanya Bansal Ada Lillie Worthington Addie Moore Emmerson Winfrey Libby Marsh David Allegri Sophia Brockmeier Larkin Brundige Lucy Wolf Connor Vogel Avery Anderson Luke Beil Neva Hudson Luciana Mendy

STAFF WRITERS

Mary Gagen Isabel Baldassaro Maggie Condon Christian Gooley Preston Hooker VIDEO MENTOR Lucy Stephens Preston Hooker Emma Krause PRINT SECTION EDITORS Lorelei Galles EDITORIAL | K ai McPhail Michael Yi NEWS | Sydney Eck Reese Dunham FEATURE | Sophia Brockmeier Mya Smith SPORTS | Libby Marsh Neil Williams OPINION | Isabel Baldassaro Carl Sutton A&E | Lucy Stephens Molly Miller Paige Bean Will Griffith Mason Sajna

Read an opinion on the current issues with the FAFSA financial aid application, a news story about open enrollment in K ansas and a news story about John Stewart returning to “ The Daily Show ”

STAFF ARTISTS Larkin Brundige Lorelei Galles Zane Laing Julia Campbell Hallie O’Bryan Bella Broce Francesca Lorusso

PAGE DESIGNERS Emmerson Winfrey Zane Laing Lyla Weeks Clara Burdick Lorelei Galles Julia Campbell Bella Broce Francesca Lorusso Hallie O’Bryan

MULTIMEDIA STAFF Mary Gagen Luke Beil Paige Bean Ryan Dehan Mason Sajna Alex Sajna Emma Krause Preston Hooker Christian Gooley

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Alex Sajna Maggie Condon Lyla Weeks Molly Scott Francesca Lorusso Addie Clark K atie Cook Caroline Hoffman

;gZZg© g g H Z `'#H ͢ SME Harbinger

The Harbinger

smeharbinger

SM East Harbinger

'#H g H Z 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 confirmed 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.

East needs to inve st

T

WISELY

HE YEAR IS 2050: sunscreen is sold out

According

to

the

National

in EV chargers to prevent climate issue s i n t h e fut ure schools m ust rem a i n n eut ra l

Oceanic

everywhere due to high UV radiation and vegetation outside of East’s office has

year in history.

It’s officially too late to install electric vehicle

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.

Additionally, there is a one-in-three chance that 2024 will be even hotter than 2023 according to NOAA.

charging ports.

Before climate change makes this scorching,

Investing in EV chargers is not as futile as the

dystopian future a reality, administration must

district may believe. Take the El Monte Union

answer student calls for electric vehicle chargers to

High School District in El Monte, California, as an

join a nationwide push for green energy and make a

example where staff and students have switched

smart local investment.

to EV cars after installing 44 charging ports. They

At least 13 students and staff at East use EVs to

“

;g ͢ ̱ < Ha ͢ ̬

and

Atmospheric Administration, 2023 was the hottest

been fried to a crisp by the sun.

FEBRURARY 5, 2024 | 03

THE HARBINGER

de s ig n b y k a i m c p h a i l

get to school according to an Instagram poll.

NOW IS THE

time for SMSD to contribute to the fight against climate change, as cold-snaps grow longer and extreme heat presses on in the summer months.

When a student proposed the idea to establish

two $7,000 Evergy dual-port ChargePoint charging

made the switch due to the reduction of gas costs with EV vehicles.

Even the federal government announced new grants for EV chargers to states supplying $623 million in January to over twenty states.

Locally, the Prairie Village City Council has committed to having zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in ordinance with their Environmental Committee. The Environmental Committee holds events such as recycling fundraisers and curbside recycling pickup to gain community support.

SMSD administration should join the fight by funding charging ports. Or, at the very least, by devising a plausible plan to fund ports in the near future instead of dismissing student concern.

ports in the parking lot, administration declined

If electric car-driving students are charged a $2

stating that East “[does] not have [money] within

or $3 fee each time they use the ports, East could

our school budget to make this kind of investment.”

slowly but surely earn back the money invested.

Electric cars are a proven way to slow global

Now is the time for SMSD to contribute to the

warming, producing 50% less CO2 emissions than

fight against climate change, as cold-snaps grow

a regular, gas-powered vehicle according to Monta.

longer and extreme heat presses on in the summer

Transportation accounted for 38% of greenhouse gas

months. The Kansas weather is showing tell-tale

emissions in 2023, according to the Congressional

signs of climate change and it can’t be ignored.

Budget Office.

There’s clearly a problem that East isn’t doing its part to solve.

Introducing East’s first electric car charging station!

Before we know it, the air will be too thick with greenhouse gasses for students to drive to school anyway, whether they’re in electric cars or not.

BURNING NUMBERS

S tat s about recent climate i ssue s

*a cco rd i n g to C o n s e r v a t i on Interna t i ona l

2023 IS NOW THE HOTTEST YEAR EVER RECORDED

20%

OF HUMAN GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ARE CAUSED BY DEFORESTATION

THE OCEAN’S TEMPERATURE IS INCREASING 2°F EACH DECADE

3.6 BILLION PEOPLE LIVE IN AREAS OF HIGH VULNERABILITY TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Briefs...

storie s b y luciana mendy

04 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

smeharbinger.net/category/news

THE

NEW CHEMISTRY ART CLASS TAUGHT BY lancer AHALLSTROM AND HENSLEY WAS ANNOUNCED

minute

A vid e o s e r i e s h i gh l i g h t i n g photo s f ro m g a l l e r i e s a n d recappi n g rec e n t e v e n t s

A NEW ART class called Chemistry of Art will

“It’s taking the scientific approach, so

be offered at East next year. The class will

we’ll be creating materials from scratch,”

be co-taught by visual arts teacher Jennifer

Hensley said. “Sometimes [the materials] will

Hensley and science teacher Susan Hallstrom.

turn out amazing and sometimes they won’t,

During the semester-long class, students

versus in an art class where we’re buying

will learn about the role science plays in

A B O V E Banks Prendiville running after his name was called for starting lineup for the JV Rockhurst game. photo by will griffith

materials that we know work.”

different forms of art. Hallstrom will explain

In the class, students will eventually do

certain scientific aspects like chemical and

their own culminating project throughout the

physical properties, and Hensley will teach

semester. According to Hallstrom, the details

about the creation of specific art forms.

of the project are still being worked out but

“I love science, I have always been very

the goal is for students to apply what they’ve

science and art-minded,” Hensley said. “I

learned about the relationship between the

love the idea of getting students who are

two disciplines of art and science.

science-oriented, that might not otherwise

“Kids should just come with an open

want to take an art class in the art room and

mind and be willing to get their hands dirty,”

say, ‘You can learn this and express your

Hallstrom said. “That’s how I’m going into

creativity from the science side.’”

this. I’m going into this with no [art] skill,

Planned projects will likely include glass, jewelry, ceramics, various paper types of art,

but just with enthusiasm and trying to bring some excitement.”

oil-based paints and water-based paints.

THE SMSD SUPERINTENDENT IS RETIRING

p h o to s b y kat i e co o k

TEACHERS’

THOUGHTS

The teachers for the Chemistry of Ar t c la ss sha re the ir opinion of the c la ss SUSAN HALLS TROM

“

I’M VERY EXCITED that I get to try

some of this really cool [art] that I’ve never been able to try in my life, so I’m very excited.

I’m nervous though because my artistic ability is extremely low, very low artistic ability.

JENNIFER HENSLEY

“

SO MUCH OF art is based on science

and a lot of times in the art classes, we don’t go into that depth of the science behind it, so the class is special in that way.

THE SHAWNEE MISSION School District’s school board will name and

as the SMSD superintendent to have more time with her family. Throughout

hire a new superintendent by the end of February, following the current

her years of work in the district, she has worked on multiple projects and

superintendent Dr. Michelle Hubbard’s retirement effective on July 1.

policies to create a standard in SMSD that has had a positive influence,

The board is working with a search facilitator to look for a new

A B O V E Biology Club leaders clapping at their first meeting. photo by clara peters

d e s ig n b y s yd n ey e c k

according to Principal Jason Peres.

superintendent. The new hire will come from an internal search consisting

“The most impactful thing that a superintendent does is set the tone and

of district employees. According to Hubbard, this means that the new hire

vision, and [Hubbard] has really set a tone that we’re here to serve kids and

will already have an understanding of the relationships and communication

work for kids’ best interest,” Peres said. “I’ve received that message loud

needed for the job.

and clear, in a positive way.”

“I’m currently surrounded by an amazing team of people, and so [the skills] are something that’s not going to be new to them,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard will be working with the next superintendent to create a smooth transition over the next year to continue the work she has done.

“It’s something that we work on as a team now, so the next superintendent

“Every employee and every student in this district deserves someone

is already going to have those skills because that’s just what we do as a

who cares about them as people and supports them as employees,” Peres

team.”

said. “That’s what we have had since I’ve been here, and that’s what we

Hubbard announced on Jan. 11 that she would be retiring after three years

want moving forward.”

SHARE RECIEVES AN AWARD FROM THE NON-PROFIT MITZVAH GARDEN KC THE SHARE PROGRAM, overseen by coordinators Sheryl Kaplan and Erin A B O V E Blake Hanson scans for an open pass during the Varsity Rockhurst game. photo by mason sajna

SCAN ME VIDEO Visit Instagram Reels to hear staffer Emma Krause discuss these events and see more photos

[amount] done [with] getting the garden put away for the winter.”

Billingsley, received a Golden Trowel Award from Mitzvah Garden Kansas

The 16 seniors worked to remove and compost plant material, pulling out

City on Feb. 4 for SHARE’s contributions to the garden during Senior Service

the support structures that plants were growing on and moving irrigation

Day.

pipes on senior service day.

Mitzvah Garden KC is a non-profit garden that provides produce to food

The award ceremony took place at the Village Shalom for the Mitzvah

pantries in the community. The garden’s Golden Trowel Award honors

Garden’s 24th annual Tu B’Shevat Seder, where members of the community

individuals and groups for their volunteering work and is meant to inspire

celebrate the arrival of spring and the upcoming season.

others to help the community, according to Mitzvah Garden KC Co-Founder Ken Sonnenschein.

“We had this wonderful group of young people that were very enthusiastic and energetic,” Sonnenschein said. “They really just got a tremendous

“It’s nice to be recognized for doing good work,” Kaplan said. “It’s always nice for us, Erin and myself, that we can just send our students and that they represent [the program] so well, and that they did such a great job.”

stor y by aanya bans a l

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 | 05

THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by mya smi t h

p h o to s by amelie wong , france sca lorusso, aanya bans al & will griffith

CLIMATE

C

CHANGES

R ecord-breaking cold temperature s in Prairie Village have impacted

road conditions, causing snow days and other complications

ONSISTENT BELOW FREEZING

days are needed, that time must be made up

Broghammer needed several layers of socks,

temperatures in the Kansas City

by extending the school day, eliminating late

pants, shirts, coats and head coverings, along

“Water mains have a tendency to have

area are breaking low-temperature

start or adding extra days to the schedule. That

with hand and foot warmers to keep warm

more breaks when the extreme temperatures

records

decision will be made by Superintendent Dr.

during the game.

happen

and

causing

poor

road

Michelle Hubbard after the winter conditions

conditions and increased snow days.

The average minimum temperature this

subside.

of

time,”

a ton of people went on to the concourse to

Prairie Village since we’ve had that cold

huddle in the stores or the bathrooms or get

weather. That creates a big problem when it’s

temperatures

to

hot chocolate,” Broghammer said. “Everyone

that cold because we get a lot of water on the

to Weather Underground. On Jan. 14, a wind

unstable arctic air moving to our area of the

was just trying to do what they could to stay

streets and you get a lot of ice on the road

chill of -35 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded

country due to the increase in greenhouse

warm.”

from the negative temperatures.”

at Kansas City International Airport — the

gasses in the atmosphere.

occurring

due

green•house•gas•ses

lowest ever, according to KCTV.

Environmental Studies Professor Dr. Shannon

be

cold

periods

to last year’s 28 degrees Fahrenheit, according

could

these

extended

Bredehoeft said. “We’ve had several around

According

their normal patterns,” University of Kansas

O’Lear,

for

“The stadium felt super empty because

January was 17 degrees Fahrenheit compared

“A lot of things seem to be going outside of

to

problems around the city.

g a s s e s i n t h e e a r t h’s a t m o s p h e re t h a t t ra p h e a t

Other students have changed their method

Similar to Broghammer at the Chiefs game,

of transportation to school to avoid the cold.

while working, Bredehoeft and his team take

Junior Kelsey Stroud, who used to make the

the necessary precautions to prevent negative

10-minute walk to school everyday, now

side effects from the cold like frostbite and

drives to avoid the frigid temperatures.

hypothermia.

O’Lear said. “In Kansas, we’re not getting as

“When you add more heat to something,

“When I was a freshman, I walked the

“We make sure our employees are out

much snow [as we have in past years] but then

you may displace some cold air because

entire year,” Stroud said. “When I was a

there for only a period of time that they feel

we get this whiplash, really cold temperatures

you have hot air moving into where it’s not

sophomore, sometimes in the winter a friend

safe and they can get back in their truck

for a week where you’re not having school, so

usually going to be,” O’Lear said.

would pick me up, but other days, I would

or come back to the shop and spend some

of

walk in the snow or the rain. It wasn’t that

time warming up before they go back out,”

Jack

big of a deal. But this year, walking in this

Bredehoeft said.

resulted in five snow days in just three

Broghammer attended the Kansas City Chiefs

weather just feels horrible. I don’t want to do

weeks of school. At the end of January last

wild-card game where the temperature at

it.”Stroud’s mom has also stopped her own

University

year, SMSD schools had only one snow day.

kickoff was -4 degrees Fahrenheit — the

daily walks due to the cold and poor sidewalk

Dr. Daniel Cohan says it’s difficult to argue

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Darren Dennis is

coldest game in Arrowhead Stadium history,

conditions.

that it’s caused by climate change. The low

in charge of creating the SMSD calendar and

according to KCTV.

Students

that’s not typical either.”

A

snow

storm

followig

winter

break

the

are

extreme

feeling

the

temperatures.

effects Junior

Prairie

Village

Public

Works

Director

Though this cold weather is extreme, Rice Atmospheric

Science

Professor

temperatures may be independent of global

Broghammer brought his ticket 40 minutes

Keith Bredehoeft manages the snow plow

“I remember snow days being spread out

before the game for $85 compared to the

drivers that help Stroud and other students

“I think there’s a tendency for people to

in the past,” Dennis said. “I can’t remember

average cost of $400 for a regular season game.

safely drive to school. The cold weather

think ‘Oh, the world is warming and we just

as many concentrated snow days in [three]

Most of the fans, including Broghammer and

makes the process of clearing snow from

had a couple of very severe storms, are these

weeks as we’ve had.”

his friends, were encouraged by GEHA field

roads, sidewalks and park trails more time-

connected to each other?” Cohan said. “But

The district has eight snow days built into

officials through the news and Instagram to

consuming since workers can’t stay out in the

that aspect of whether we have more or less

the schedule, according to Dennis. If more

bring cardboard to stand on for insulation.

cold for too long. It’s also more difficult to fix

severe winter storms is still uncertain.”

keeping track of snow days.

J OH N MEN DY

SNOW DAY

STORIES S t u d e n t s re c o u n t

notew o r t h y m o m e n t s from t h e i r s n o w d a y s si n c e f i v e d a y s o f schoo l w e re c a n c e l e d in t he p a s t m on th

S E NIO R

“

I GOT OFF work at 9:45 p.m. I turned

my car on and put on music like usual. I pulled out and went over this small curb to get out of the parking lot. I hit the curb, and my rear windshield shattered out of nowhere. I think it was because of the cold.

MI TC H EL L B L AIR S E NIO R

“

WE HAD A a few practices in addition to

the lengthened winter break that were canceled due to snow days. The long break kind of threw us off our groove because we were out of practice for a while, but we’ve definitely been able to bounce back.

warming as a whole.

NINA Y UN SENIOR

“

MY CAR WAS parked on the

driveway, then it got cold and ice formed.

Later that day I looked out the window and my car was no longer parked in that spot. It was on a curb down the driveway because it slid down. I was surprised and confused.

06 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

MUSICAL THE HARBINGER

ONCE UPON A

p h o to s b y m o l l y s cot t , m o l l y mi l l e r & c l a ra p e t e rs d e s ig n b y ve ro n i c a m a n gi n e story b y l u c y st e ph e n s

Th e m u s ica l “On c e Up o n A Ma ttre s s” w i l l b e p er fo r m ed b y t he Shaw nee M i ssi o n East t heater on Fe b. 8 -10

T

HE

DEPARTMENT

controlling mother, Queen Aggravain played

Moon said. “It’s pretty straightforward, but I

selecting the cast. Since then, the cast and

will perform the musical “Once

THEATRE

by senior Aurdey Apprill, who disapproves of

feel like it’s still a fun time.”

crew have been working to learn the whole

Upon A Mattress” — a comedic

every potential suitor.

spin on the fairytale “Princess and

For the first time, after the matinee show

The mysterious Princess Winifred, played

on Feb. 10, audience members will have the

senior

Layla

Ledford,

comes

to

show, design the sets and put every aspect seamlessly together.

the Pea” — from Feb. 8-10 at 7 p.m. with an

by

the

opportunity to meet the cast in one of the

“It takes a lot to throw these musicals

additional matinee on Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. in the

kingdom and charms the Prince, just by being

gyms. This will give the chance for family

together, which people may not realize,”

auditorium.

her quirky self. In response, the queen comes

members and other guests to take pictures

Moon said. “It’s really hard work and it’s nice

TThe theater department will perform

up with a series of rigged tests — including

with the characters in full costume and ask

to be able to have people see what we did.”

the musical “Once Upon A Mattress” — a

sleeping on a single pea covered by 20

any questions they might have.

comedic spin on the fairytale “Princess and

mattresses to see if she is fit for the prince.

the Pea” — from Feb. 8-10 at 7 p.m. with an

“It has a little something for everybody,”

Attending and supporting the production

The show started production in November

benefits the theater program, allowing them

with all the directors holding auditions and

to continue putting on annual musicals.

additional matinee on Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. in the

The musicals give students the chance

auditorium.

to showcase their talent for the East

The traditional 1960s musical is directed by

community — whether it’s working on

English teacher Brian Cappello. This year, the

stage, playing in the orchestra pit or

theater department was looking for a musical

working backstage, according to Defeo.

with a more structured plot in contrast to

“Sometimes you sit next to people every

last year’s production of the erratic musical

day for months, sometimes years and you

“SpongeBob,” according to theater teacher

don’t know the talent they have,” Cappello

and technical director Tom Defeo.

said. “You get to see different sides of your friends or people you know.”

“This is more your golden age kind of musical,” Defeo said. “You can tap your toe

Guests can buy tickets for $10 at the

to connect, the chorus can dance together,

door or East students will receive free

all that stuff. It allows more for us as a

admission with a student ID.

company.”

T

h

show

e

ACT FA S T ! follows

King

Dauntless, played by junior Wyatt Moon, who is searching for a bride, despite his

Up c o m i n g s h o w t i m e s a n d

SENIOR LAYLA LEFORD AS PRINCESS WINNIFRED T O P Senior Emma Molteni sings a solo in “Normandy ” during the rehersal of “Once Upon A Mattress.”

ticke t i n f o r m a t i o n f o r “ O n c e U p o n a Ma t t re s s”

purchase tickets at the door for $10 OR bring student ID and get in for free

photo by molly scott

SENIOR AUDREY APPRILL AS QUEEN AGGRAVAIN

SHOW TIMES - Feb. 8 @ 7 p.m.

- Feb. 9 @ 7 p.m.

- Feb. 10 @ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

SCAN ME SOPHOMORE ELI MOON INSTA Follow @smetheatre on Instagram to get more updates

AS THE MINSTREL

SENIOR IAN FLYNN AS THE WIZARD L E F T Freshman Tori Roland and sophomore Charlie Gray rehearse “ The Minstrel the Jester and I” for the first act of the musical. photo by clara peters

s tor y by ree se dun ha m

d e si g n by l i bby marsh

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 | 7

THE HARBINGER

MASKED A n e w s train of COVID — JN.1 — that

i s m o re difficult to identif y has recently

e m e rg e d and has caused a steep incline i n h o s p i tal i zat i o ns

identity

cov w i e

A

NEW COVID strain called JN.1 is on the rise

The symptoms of JN.1 are similar to any other

this 2024, and it is currently the most dominant

respiratory virus — a sore throat, runny nose,

variant causing 86% of cases. Hospitalizations in

congestion, fever, chills and body aches.

the United States due to COVID have increased to

English teacher Ann Flurry had COVID the

around 35,000 during the week of Jan. 6, compared to the

week of Jan. 22, when JN.1 was causing most

23,000 weekly hospitalizations in early December, according

cases. Her symptoms negatively progressed over

to the Center for Disease Control.

the week, and they continued for the next few days

This new strain was discovered in August 2023, but wasn’t

“My first symptoms just seemed like a cold but

overall COVID test positivity began gradually increasing. The

they quickly got worse like a really bad cold,” Flurry

rate was 15% in September, but with the recent strains like

said. “The difference was I had extreme body aches and

the CDC. During the beginning of December, the amount of deaths by the JN.1 and other strains like HV.1, JD.1.1, and BA.2.86, was around 2,000 per week and now the number of deaths due to the virus has risen to 3,000 per week in January.

Despite the amount of cases and deaths rising, according to Dr. Sarah James*, a local infectious disease doctor, this could just be a trend due to the recent holidays. “The numbers right now are actually a little bit lower than they were in the beginning of January,” James said. “That might just be because that was a little peak from the holidays, and respiratory viruses follow.”

“

it spreads fast can be dangerous.

Any time a virus like that mutates, they call it novel or new, so if the community doesn’t have a lot of immunity to it, then it can be more dangerous.

LOCAL INFECTIOUS DI SEASE DOC TOR English teacher Amy Andersen had COVID the week of

According to James, the disease has been adapting to grow

Andersen experienced clogged and irritated sinuses, and

the different strains apart because they are so similar; every

additionally had lingering congestion for about a week later.

“Thankfully, it never went below [my] chest,” Andersen said. “It was all congestion, and inflamed sinuses.”

“The fact that it spreads fast can be dangerous,” James

The protocol for the new strain is still the same as it has

said. “Anytime a virus like that mutates, they call it novel or

been for other COVID strains: quarantine for five days after

new, so if the community doesn’t have a lot of immunity to it,

testing positive, then re-engage in school, work and other

then it can be more dangerous.”

activities. James advises wearing a mask for another five days

The JN.1 variant doesn’t pose any more of a threat than

69%

THE FACT THAT

faster since September 2023. There isn’t an easy way to tell

virus. The primary distinction is the rate at which they spread.

31%

YES NO

my eyes hurt.”

finals in December, when JN.1 was causing numerous cases.

strain has just a slight variation in the composition of the

* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 1 7 v o t e s

after she came back to school.

affecting many individuals until September when the rate of

JN.1 emerging, the rate has now risen to 18%, according to

d

n

Have you or anyone you know had COVID in the past two weeks?

even after testing negative.

the other strains according to James. The specific types of

Senior Rosemary Comes found out she had the COVID on

people JN.1 is most dangerous towards include infants, the

Jan. 21 and returned to school three days later after testing

immunocompromised, and ages 65 and up, similar to any

negative. Comes followed the current COVID protocol, to stay

other virus.

home until she no longer had symptoms.

If t

h

e

affected individual has previously had COVID then antibodies are built up, but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee not getting

it

normally

again. helps

Being

reduce

vaccinated the

risk

of

contracting the virus by around 30%, according

to

James.

However,

Flurry,

Andersen, and Comes were all vaccinated before they got COVID, and even so it resulted in them getting the virus.

More preventative measures include keeping hands clean especially after touching high-traffic surfaces, according to James. Another precaution is staying away from anyone with cold-like symptoms because that is the easiest way to catch any virus. School nurse Stephanie Ptacek advises students who have symptoms to do their part and avoid being around others who aren’t sick. “[Students] should protect themselves from COVID the same way you would protect yourself from other infectious diseases,” Ptacek said. “Handwashing, avoiding people when you are sick, masking if you are sick if you’re up for it.”

Opinion

09 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

d e s ig n b y i s a b e l b a l d a s s a ro art by zane laing

smeharbinger.net/opinion

COMIC STRIP

a r t by hallie o’b r ya n

hot take

s to r y b y e mme rs o n wi n f rey

S taf f er revi ew s new revi ved club and admire s it s suce ss so far

this or that?

R ec e n t I n s ta g ra m p o l l s re l a te d to s to r i e s

I’M UNASHAMED TO to say that Valentine’s

gifts for each other and blow the bank on

Day is stupid. I don’t care about the bouquet

something forced and just for show. I’d rather

of roses, the nice dinner, the box of chocolates

get budget-friendly things like love letters

or whatever cheap gold jewelry you got off

or flowers throughout the year than a $400

a TikTok ad. If you’re not taking me out or

necklace you threw together last minute for

surprising me with gifts the other 364 days

one day. It’s a performative holiday so people

why should I care what you do on one?

can act like they love their partner and and

Showing your significant other you love them

show off for the people around them. While

with things like surprises, loving messages or

I’ll happily go out to dinner and exchange

date nights should be a regular occurrence.

gifts with someone on Feb. 14, if they’re not

And honestly, if your significant other isn’t

doing that every other day of the year their

doing that, it’s time to dump them. It also

lovey-dovey-one-day-show

puts pressure on couples to get elaborate

anything to me.

trending topics

won’t

mean

Po l l s a n d i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t c u r re n t t re n d i n g topi c s i n m e d i a

in th is issu e’s o p in i o n s e c t i o n DOES ELECTION NEWS DISCOURAGE YOUR VIEWS ON POLITICS? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 2 9 v o t e s

HAVE YOU TRIED THE NEW BLUE RAZZ LEMON CELCIUS?

47% 53%

YES NO

* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 3 0 v o t e s

CAN PEOPLE EVER FULLY ACHIEVE PERFECTION?

new blue razz lemon celcius

* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 5 4 v o t e s

T h e n e w f i z z - f re e b l u e ra z z c e l c i u s t h a t h a s re c e n t l y a p p e a re d i n s t o re s a ro u n d t h e c o u n t r y.

YES 13% NO

YES 14% NO

86%

87%

TAKE OUR POLLS

DO YOU FREQUENTLY WATCH PR PACKAGE HAULS ON TIKTOK?

Follow the Harbinger on social media to participate in our polls @smeharbinger

@smeharbinger

@smeharbie

@smeharbingerr

* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 0 8 v o t e s

tiktok pr hauls

T h e n e w t re n d s o f i n f l u e n c e r s o p e n i n g p i l e s o f b oxe s f ro m d i f f e re n t c o m p a n i e s h a v e f l o o d e d f o r y o u p a g e s e v e r y w h e re .

YES

51%

NO

49%

10 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

THE HARBINGER

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

T

RUMP WINS THE Iowa caucus.”

story b y greyso n i mm

d e s ig n b y f ra n ce s c a l o ru s s o

Instead of getting discouraged with seeking change through politic s, it ’s more beneficial to inve st in your co m mu nit y.

More often than not, voters are left to choose between the

“Gaza death toll tops 26,000 without a ceasefire.”

lesser of two evils — a disheartening system. While moderates

Flipping between TV channels, I’m bombarded with

may vote for Trump because of his economic plan, they may

political news everywhere I look. From overwhelming

have to compromise their morals by supporting someone who

support for Trump despite inciting an insurrection to Biden’s

goes against their beliefs in other aspects like LGBTQ+ rights

inaction amid a genocide in Palestine, I’m left feeling hopeless

or abortion access. It feels like there’s no way to cast your vote

for the state of our country.

without making sacrifices in one area or another. That isn’t fair,

News like this doesn’t inspire me to get out and vote in my

Since well before the issue of Trump vs. Biden, our elected

unfit both candidates are to serve as president, despite them

officials have rarely ever served their constituents who need

being the only realistic options.

it the most — marginalized communities. For example, poor

It’s easy to get discouraged seeking political change for

communities simply don’t have the same resources that multi-

yourself and the communities you care about through elections.

million-dollar political action committees do, and therefore

But instead of seeking action through elections, it’s far more

don’t have as much sway over high-up politicians.

change at the grassroots level.

It’s not true that you have to have these resources to make a change. Instead of asking corrupt millionaire politicians for

Grassroots organizing is community advocacy led by non-

scraps, organize your community. Make your voice heard by

elected individuals. It’s one of America’s oldest political practices,

petitioning your legislators. Where grassroots organizations may

and at the core of our country from the temperance movement to

lack funding or resources, a passionate community backing their

the founding of the U.S.

cause makes up for it.

There is a stark difference from our normal top-down view of

In fact, movements as big as prohibition in the 1920s and the

government where elected officials hold the power. In grassroots

civil rights laws of the 1960s were both direct results of grassroots

organizations, the people hold the power — not the politicians.

community action directly influencing policy. Whether you agree

Our area has many of these organizations for students and

or disagree with individual issues, it’s inspiring to know how

residents to partake in.

much power communities of everyday people have.

KC Tenants organizes citizens throughout the KC metro area to

All it took was a passionate group of common U.S. citizens

rally for safe and affordable housing. On Jan. 26, they packed the

and a cause. In the face of bureaucracy and corrupt politics, these

city council chambers and influenced the 10-3 passing of a ban

examples are a reminder of hope — hope that we still have a

on source of income discrimination. Similarly, Decarcerate KC is

voice in the government that was built to represent us.

a local prison and policing reform organization that’s currently attending city-planned community engagement meetings to

Time and time again, the people have proven that grassroots organizing works.

advocate against building a new city jail. These organizations,

Even though politics, governments and elections may seem

and so many others, operate because of the continued support

hopeless at times, it’s important to remember that you can make

and passion from their communities.

your voice heard. Not through elections directly, but through

Advocating for policy change is much easier in a community.

protests and rallies. Through contacting legislators and educating

This way, change feels more achievable. Protest and petition

yourself and your community.

are much more powerful than voting and hoping your candidate

Personally, getting involved at the education level — and

is less incompetent than the other. For example, in the upcoming

planning to attend upcoming protests and political community

election, it’s far more effective to gather a group of community

meetings — has eased my discontent towards the U.S. political

members to petition your local representatives instead of casting

system. Sure, politicians may be generally out of touch with

a vote for president.

the people, and our political system may feel rigged against the

It’s almost impossible not to feel hopeless as a young person in the U.S. right now. I honestly can’t decide which would be

Loc a l gra ssroot s orga niza tions in KC

grass•roots

Involving common people as a f u n d a m e n t a l p o l i t i c a l g ro u p

but it doesn’t have to be that way.

first presidential election this November. It just shows me how

fulfilling and fruitful to focus our efforts on advocating for

rooting for change

people, but getting involved at the grassroots level to voice your concerns is a way to remedy that.

worse for our country — a genocide-complacent, senile 81-year-

So next time you find yourself with election-year blues, reach

old man or a self-important, idiotic, bigoted criminal. But with

out to a local grassroots advocacy organization and ask how you

the way our government is set up, it seems like voting for one

can help. Or, if you have a cause you’re passionate about, create

of these two candidates is the only way to push the agendas and

your own organization. Plan rallies. Sit in city council sessions.

beliefs you support. This is where grassroots organizing becomes

Organize your community. Make your voice heard through

an attractive alternative.

grassroots community organizing.

KC TENANTS

KC Tenants is a citywide tenants union led by a multigenerational base of poor and working class tenants organizing for safe, affordable and accessible housing.

SHUMAKER FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Shumaker Family Foundation is a local institution funding and promoting social and environmental justice projects based primarily in the Kansas City area. The foundation has funded projects such as The Kansas City Zoo, The Giving Grove and KC Pet Project.

DECARCERATE KC

Decarcerate KC is a KCbased organization that aims to raise awareness, build power and create change around issues of incarceration and policing in our city to build a safer Kansas City for all.

stor y by ave ry anderso n

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 | 11

THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by be l l a broce

Virtue(ally)

ph o to s by l yl a week s

AP E n g l i s h L a n g u a g e a n d C o m p o s i t i o n c l a s s e s a re s t r i v i n g f o r p e r f e c t i o n th ro u g h a B e n j a m i n F ra n k l i n - i n s p i re d p roj ect , b u t p e r f e c ti o n i s n’ t w o r th i t I’VE ALWAYS STRIVED to be I’ve always strived to be perfect at everything.

Impossible

project tasks students with choosing two of

Day two wasn’t much better. My virtue

Franklin’s virtues and creating two of their

of procrastinating less went out the window

My life revolves around getting 100% on

own to monitor over 10 days. Although some

when I realized I had a project due by the end

assignments in school and configuring the

of these virtues are obviously outdated —

of the day. And no, I hadn’t started it yet.

perfectly well-rounded resume. I pile on

such as his virtue of chastity — many are

Day three consisted of me getting home

extracurriculars like math club and refuse

still applicable today, like humility and

from work just to throw my clothes on my

to go to sleep until I feel like I’ve been

justice.

bed and due to an unreasonable amount of

productive that day. On days I don’t race

To achieve a perfect 100% on this project,

to work after school, you’ll find me talking

I only had to log my progress even if I didn’t

to my biology teacher, squeezing in tennis

achieve my goals — but of course, I wanted

practice and racing to Scraps KC to volunteer.

to perfect them anyway.

TikTok, fall asleep at 1 a.m. — hours after I should’ve.

The following seven days followed a similar routine — each time I thought I’d

I peel out of the junior lot going exactly

I chose his two virtues of order — working

made it through a full day of being “perfect,”

the speed limit three days a week in order

to keep my life and space clean — and silence

I somehow managed to slip up at the last

to give myself enough time to get ready for

— trying to only speak when it benefits the

second or remember a detrimental error I

work. Showing up to my job in anything less

conversation. Perfect for someone whose

had made previously in the day. My life was

than a head-to-toe professional and trendy

closet needs a major deep-clean and should

proving to be nowhere near as perfect as

outfit with matching accessories and styled

learn to watch what they say every once in

I had worked to make it.

hair is simply unacceptable in my book.

a while. I then created two of my own —

I slowly began to uncover more

procrastinate less and sleep more — both

flaws in my day-to-day life. I

areas I’m constantly battling with.

realized I should be paying more

it’s that I should worry less

attention to some of Franklin’s other

about being exceptional in every

When

my

Composition

AP

English

teacher

Language

Samantha

and

Feinberg Moral

For the next 10 days I logged my every

Perfection Project, I saw my opportunity

move throughout the day and made notes on

virtues. His virtue of frugality, for example,

aspect of my life and be more encouraging

to test my boundaries and explore how

my chart listing my virtues and my progress

was one I particularly found myself in need

than critical towards myself.

“perfect” I could become. Turns out, my life

with achieving them.

of after going on an online shopping spree.

recently

introduced

the

annual

isn’t nearly as perfect as I want it to be. And

The

constant

correcting

and

judging

Three hours into day one, I was already

By the end of day five I was signing up for a

myself that came with the project made me

listing errors I had made. I just had to tell

yoga class to try and incorporate the virtue

realize I was doing that every day — just

Though I’ve strived for perfection on even

my friend about my recent re-watch of “The

of tranquility into my life.

subconsciously.

the smallest things in life, this project taught

Barbie Movie” and the multitude of easter

By day 10, I was exhausted. The constant

I’m not telling anyone to go ditch their

me that it’s OK to take time to calm down

eggs I found in it in Spanish class when

attention to my movements, thoughts and

homework or trash their room but we should

and relax.

I should’ve been conjugating verbs and

choices wore me out more than my tennis

remember that even our best work may never

studying new vocabulary.

practices ever could.

be 100% perfect. So we might as well try our

maybe that’s OK.

You’d think that no one could ever truly be perfect, but the project says otherwise.

Based on Benjamin Franklin’s 13 virtues created to achieve human perfection, the

So much for the virtue of silence. At least

I slowly began to understand why people

I still have three others to redeem myself —

say “no one is perfect.” No one can be perfect.

or so I thought.

If my 10-day experiment taught me anything,

AVERY’S

CALENDAR

hardest, and move on.

I’d rather live a life I enjoy, than a life others view as perfect.

A ch ar t f o l l o w i n g A v e r y ’s p ro g re ss o n her vi r t ue s o ver 1 0 d ay s o f t he cl ass p ro j ect , with X’s for e a c h su c c e ss fu l da y

DAY 1 ORDER SILENCE DON’T CRAM SLEEP MORE

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

DAY 6

DAY 7

DAY 8

DAY 9

DAY 10

12 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

ROCKING WITH

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y ri l ey s cot t

Varsit y cheerleaders continue the annual tradition of having a team sleepover the night before the R ockhurst vs. East basketball game and lini ng the halls in the

TRADITIONS morning

SCAN ME PHOTO Scan this to purchase photos and view more about the event

L E F T Senior Claire Goettsch and junior Emma Aubuchon do their makeup after putting on their uniforms and “Beat Rock” shirts. “My favorite part about the sleepover was probably all the fun girl talk we had,” Goettsch said. “ We don’t usually get to bond like that during practice.” photo by riley scott

A B O V E Senior Taylor Borchers gets fruit before sitting down to have breakfast with her teammates. “I definitely think the Rock sleepover adds to the game experience,” Borchers said. “Cheerleaders get to be just excited the night before, surrounded by our team.” photo by riley scott

A B O V E Cheerleaders brought snacks to the sleepover instead of having dinner together, since the sleepover started at 8:30 p.m.. Snacks consisted of veggie trays, chips, crackers, cheese, cookies and a chocolate cake. photo by riley scott

L E F T Varsity cheerleaders welcome in the current eighth graders at the gymnasium entrance. The eighth graders were at East to tour the school before enrolling for classes next year. photo by caroline martucci

de sign by sophia broc km ei er photos by caroline m a r t u cc i , caroline hoffman, kat i e cook, clara pet ers & p a i ge be an

smeharbinger.net/category/feature

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 | 13

Feature

THIS ISSUE I N

photos

BEHIND THE

CURTAIN

Two student s who do behind-thesc e ne s work for the mu sic a l

MAKENA CAMPBELL | JUNIOR

A look inside student life at East in the past two weeks of school

“

THE PIT ORCHESTRA is a little claustrophobic, there’s a bunch of little poles like holding up the stage, and everyone’s kind of crammed in there. I really like being a part of [the musical] but not having to be on stage.

NORAH ANDERSON | SOPHOMORE

T O P Senior Patrick Schaff smiles at his para Devin Blackwood, during “Fun Friday ” in Social Skills class. photo by clara peters

ALL

ABOUT

YOU

Students share their favorite self care activities

T O P R I G H T Junior Abi Contreras passes a Savannah Monitor Lizard to junior Bo Morrissey. photo by caroline hoffman

B O T T O M Multicultural Student Union members discuss the possibility of having district events and a school-wide assembly to bring awareness to the club. photo by caroline martucci

“

I REALLY LOVE working with the costumes crew — they’re all such lovely people. We have a pretty strong community especially with costumes because a lot of the crews work backstage, but we’re in the dressing rooms like it’s kind of our own little area.

MARI SSA L I BERDA

J ESSA SPARKS

JAMIE WILBORN

S E NIO R

J U NIO R

FRESHMAN

“

I PERSONALLY HAVE a pretty big skincare and makeup collection so whenever I’m doing makeup it allows me to organize all my stuff and sit there and clear my head.

“

I GO TO Yogurtini after school and

grab a frozen yogurt and spend the rest of the evening decompressing. Everyone needs a food [self-care day].

“

I’VE ALWAYS LOVED hiking, it just puts me in a better mood. I think more clearly, and I think more rationally instead of as emotionally as I would [before hiking].

s to r y by ma g g i e ki ss ic k d e si g n by g reyson imm p h o to s co ur te s y o f carrie wa g s t aff and andrew rhode s

B E L O W Freshman Owen Wagstaff smiles at sophomore Andrew Rhodes during the question of the day in Social Skills Class photo by clara peters

OWEN& THE HARBINGER

ANDREW

S

An so

the

gam an

gam an

com

Fre shman O wen Wagstaff, who has Down S yndrome, and sophomore

Andrew Rhode s have included and suppor ted one another over their 10 y ears o f fr i end shi p

sai

hap

sto

B E L O W Owen sits with Andrew at Bass Pro Shops.

B O T T O M Owen poses for a picture after B E L O W During a unified bowling Andrew ’s soccer game. game, Owen and Andrew stand in front of the lane. Andrew came to watch Owen play.

B O T T O M Owen and Andrew link arms while walking onto the field after Andrew ’s soccer game. Owen came straight from his bowling match to watch.

the

An

his

me

mi

wit

the

“O Re

tea of

bea

kin

wo

pla

the bu

oth

Ow

kin

rem ou

Par

Fir

S

NEWS -FEATURE ITTING

IN A

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 | 15

parents,

alongside moments filled with inclusion and

personal

freshman Owen Wagstaff looked up at

learning from each other has made up their

others, according to Social Skills teacher Emily

***

the scoreboard and saw that there were

friendship for the last 10 years.

MacNaughton.

“Andrew Rhodes!”

crowd

of

still three minutes left in sophomore

ndrew Rhodes’ soccer game.

***

space

and

introducing

yourself

to

his favorite food.”

“It’s more comfortable for Owen to take on

When walking in the hallway, Andrew can

Then-8th-grader Owen stuffed clear bags

more challenging skills because Andrew knows

always tell where Owen is from his signature

He was anxious for the game to be over, not

in his kitchen with chocolate, Kit Kats and

him,” MacNaughton said. “He’s comfortable

greeting. The two see each other at least once a

he could leave, but so that he could celebrate

Starbursts. He’s gone “booing” — leaving bags

listening to Andrew. [He’s able to] have a

day, and each encounter isn’t complete without

e team’s victory with his best friend. Once the

of candy on his friends’ doorsteps — every fall

support system to take on things that are more

Owen yelling Andrew’s first and last name with a

me was finished, Owen darted across the field

around Halloween since first grade. Owen mostly

challenging.”

smile on his face and giving him a hug.

d sat right in the middle of the team’s post-

boos his Belinder friends or other friends from

me huddle. A wide smile spread across Andrew

school, but he always looks forward to booing

blowing

Owen

and is so excited to see me,” Andrew said. “And I

d his teammates’ faces when they saw Owen

Andrew the most.

One of these challenging skills has been his

nose

—

something

that

“Whenever I see [Owen], he’s always smiling

doesn’t like to do and something Andrew has

think being greeted with a smile and an embrace

Pulling up to then-freshman Andrew’s house,

been helping him with. One day in class, Owen

like that is just incredible. It makes me feel good.

“I love when [Owen] is at my games,” Andrew

Carrie waited in the car a few houses down the

stood up and grabbed a tissue to blow his nose.

I think everyone needs a relationship like that,

id. “He’s my biggest fan and you can tell how

street as Owen grabbed the bag and ran up to

Andrew then gave him a high five, celebrating a

that’s strictly positive with nothing fake.”

ppy he is to be there.”

Andrew’s house. He rang the doorbell, then

new concept that they worked on together.

ming over.

After the team finished their huddle, Owen

sprinted behind a tree in Andrew’s front yard,

ood up and joined them as the team took

peeking his head out to see how Andrew would

eir end-of-game bow, standing right next to

react.

ndrew — Andrew in his goalie jersey, Owen in

“After he’d ring the doorbell, I look out

Owen has helped Andrew appreciate the small

***

things in life. Andrew watches how genuinely

Carrie woke up to the blaring sound of a phone

excited Owen gets about the things he loves.

call early in the morning in the middle of January

Whenever Owen sees a dog, he always points it

from the school district. Thinking that there was

out and shouts “Adorable!” Owen also loves the

yet another snow day, she answered the phone.

band R5, so Andrew always makes sure to play

s unified bowling uniform. Owen had a bowling

the window and I can see him peeking behind

eet right after the game, but he didn’t want to

the tree, which is always funny,” Andrew said.

This is Shawnee Mission School District food

“Smile” and “All Night” when they’re in the car

iss watching and celebrating the team’s victory

“Because he wasn’t the best at hiding [and] he

services. We’re calling to let you know that your child

heading home from school or driving to the gym.

th Andrew.

wanted to see me when I came out.”

Owen Wagstaff’s lunch balance is low.

Andrew

opened

the

door,

he

“I’ve learned all of the words to ‘Smile’ from

acted

Carrie was confused. She had put $50 in Owen’s

ey met,” Owen’s mom Carrie Wagstaff said.

surprised, yelling out “Who did this?” Owen

lunch account when he was in kindergarten and

Owen used to do the bow at [his older sister]

laughed from behind the tree and then ran out

hadn’t touched it since — she usually packed his

In return, Andrew has helped Owen become

gan’s games, and I worried about how [the

to hug his friend.

lunch. She also noticed that Owen wasn’t eating

conscious of what he says and has helped him

all of his lunch on days when he had Social Skills

learn new things. Andrew encourages Owen to

class. So she asked Andrew about it.

not make inappropriate comments or jokes while

“Andrew has always included Owen ever since

As

am] would react the first time we went to one

“Owen booing me is one of my favorite things

[Andrew’s] games. But the team handled it

he does,” Andrew said. “He’s been doing it for as

autifully.”

long as I can remember and it’s fun to see how

Andrew and Owen have been friends since

happy he is while doing it.”

playing it so much with him,” Andrew said.

“He’s so happy whenever I play their music.”

“It turned out that Owen had been buying

in Social Skills class. Carrie wants Owen to join

pizza with Andrew at lunch,” Carrie said. “Which

a weights class at East next year, so Andrew has

ndergarten. Andrew saw Owen as the kid he

***

is a fun thing that [him] and Andrew get to do

started taking him to go lift weights at the YMCA.

ould go to the Mission Hills street fair with and

Sitting at brunch during Andrew’s freshman

together that doesn’t involve me. It’s just being

While at the YMCA, Andrew teaches Owen how

ay at recess together with. He’s known from

year at First Watch, Andrew first heard about

another high school student and getting pizza

to properly lift weights — making sure to not

e beginning that Owen has Down Syndrome,

the Social Skills class — where students help

with a friend.”

slouch or give up when trying a new exercise.

t that’s never mattered to him.

neurodivergent peers with their social skills —

Now, every Wednesday is pizza day. The two

Owen used to dread going to lift weights, but

Andrew has always treated Owen like any

from Carrie. So Andrew applied to be a Social

boys will go to the cafeteria and purchase slices

since he started working out with Andrew, he

her kid, according to Carrie. Andrew and

Skills leadership student, and now the boys are

of cheese pizza.

now walks around the YMCA with a smile on his

wen haven’t been in the same grade since

in a class together again.

While telling the lunch lady what kind of pizza

face.

still

“[Social Skills] has made our friendship so

he wants, Andrew teaches Owen how to be polite

“It’s nice to introduce him to new things

mained strong through doing little things

much stronger,” Andrew said. “Being able to see

— saying please and thank you and being patient

and to have a positive impact on one another,”

tside of school like playdates at Taliaferro

him almost every day has made us closer and I

while waiting in line. Andrew loves seeing how

Andrew said. “We both bring out the best in each

rk, annual birthday parties and brunches at

love seeing him in class.”

excited Owen gets after securing his pizza slice.

other and we both get to have a great friend out

ndergarten,

but

their

friendship

has

rst Watch.

A shared sense of supporting one another

Their friendship makes it easier for Owen

“[Owen] loves pizza,” Andrew said. “I’m sure

to learn concepts in Social Skills class like

if you asked him right now he’d say that pizza is

of it, too.”

B E L O W The boys sit on a playground slide together.

B E L O W After a soccer game in elementary school, Owen and Andrew play on the field.

L E F T Owen and Andrew at a K ansas University basketball game.

EAST

16 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

THE HARBINGER

TAPE

ON

I

story b y mi c h ae l yi

d e s ig n b y ka i m c p h a i l p h o to s b y p a i ge b e a n

S tudent s in the Video Production Leadership pursue their passions for film while enjoying a close friend group

N THE BOX – the opening in the gym wall

But beyond the graphics, the class is juggling

across from the student section – seniors

a ton of other projects — just check the lists and

Hayden

peer

calendars on the classroom’s three whiteboards.

down at the bleachers 20 feet below, jam-

From features on the elementary and middle feeder

packed with students in white “BEAT ROCK” t-shirts

schools to the “monthly shows” where they direct

chanting furiously — it was the biggest basketball

and edit their own films under a common theme, the

rivalry game of the year, after all.

students are testing their camera work and Premier

Manning

and

Emilie

Elmore

But Manning and Elmore aren’t worried about the score.

Pro skills year round.

“I’ve always loved our film unit,” Hunter said.

“Did Avail finish that weird band player graphic?”

“We watch the films at the end of each semester

Elmore asks. Manning laughs. “The one with the

in seminar, and they can bring in their friends or

guy’s head photoshopped onto a cartoon drummer?”

anybody who was in their film. It’s one thing to

As the game starts, Manning clicks the laptop resting on the ledge to play a graphic on the two big screens across from each other on the gym walls — a spinning ball shimmers in rays of orange, yellow and green and is captioned by “MAKE SOME NOISE.” Feet stomping, hands clapping, the gym erupts into cheers.

Students in the Video Production Leadership class enjoy their own tight-knit community behind the scenes while learning more about editing, camera shots and design through their video boards and open-ended projects.

“There are people in there that are just complete

“

watch it, but it’s another thing to get to watch it

YOU DON’T WANT

to see random stuff on the board, right? [...] You want to see something that’s funny [The process] is a lot of just moving stuff around.

AVAIL WHITAKER SENIOR

with a group of people.”

film nerds and some who love drawing, and others

PRESS PLAY

The s te p s i n f i l m i n g a v i d e o f ro m c lub me mb e r A v a il W h itake r

1) STORYBOARDING

Start off with an idea or storyboarding.

Whitaker draws out each shot that they want, including details about when the frame should move.

2) CONSISTENCY

One thing to always look out for is consistency for a clean video. Have everything placed the same it was as the previous shot.

3) FILM

Lights, camera, action! Check lighting and sound quality, now you’re ready to start filming your first video.

love anime,” Elmore said. “I think it’s just special

Because

of

the

size

of

the

class,

students

that even though we are very different people, we all

collaborate on each other’s projects throughout the

really enjoy making videos.”

entire video-making process — Elmore can add

As two of five students in the class, Elmore

guitar to someone’s intro or Mellenbruch can animate

and Manning start sixth hour at one of the rows

their transitions. And with the open-ended nature of

of computers in the library video room. After their

the assignments, finished projects represent both the

teacher Jennifer Hunter goes over the plan for the

creativity of the student and the skills of the class.

next couple of weeks – lately Rockhurst vs. East video

“For my video last year, me and my friends made

graphics – the students are free to film, animate and

a racecar parody, but the whole joke was that we had

edit.

to squeeze into little toy cars,” Elmore said. “And

“Video class is just a bunch of us bickering at

although it definitely had its flaws, I was really

each other and then scrambling to get things done,”

proud that I got really creative and put in a lot of

senior Avail Whitaker said.

thought and effort.”

The day before the Rockhurst game, class started

Everybody has their own niche — Elmore’s

with the Pokémon theme song and junior Han

spent years perfecting voiceovers, Manning took

Mellenbruch reading jokes off of his phone. “What

writer’s workshop to work on his screenplays and

has to be broken before you use it? An egg!” Next

Mellenbruch is a wizard with Blender, a 3D graphics

to him, Manning sat animating a person flipping

software. But despite various focuses they’re alike in

around and around to show when a defender lost his

more ways than they’re different — they all share

man, and to his left junior Daniel Au was building

the same love for YouTube, dry sense of humor and

a booth in Minecraft to use in a graphic for when

childhood obsession with making videos.

concessions were open.

“I took video production because when I was

“You don’t want to see some random stuff up on

a little kid I always made stupid iMovies with my

the board, right?” Whitaker said. “You want to see

cousins,” Elmore said. “And then all my cousins

something that’s funny. [The process] is a lot of just

grew out of it, but I never did, and I had no way to

moving stuff around.”

do it at home. Video production is a chance for me to do that.”

s tor y by kati e murphy

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 | 17

THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by jul i a camp bell p h o to s by al ex s a jn a

VILLAGE AT

MISSION S o p h o m o re s G ra c e O ’ D o n n e l l , C l a i re Langford and A deli n e C l i f f o rd s p e n d S u n d a y a fte r n o o n s p laying game s w i t h m e m o r y c a re p a t i e n t s a t t h e V i l l a g e at Mission, e nj o y ing eld e r l y- an ti c s an d l e s s o n s ab out grat i t ud e

T

OSSING

HER

80-YEAR-OLD

A B O V E O’Donnell, Langford and Clifford stand outside of the Village at Mission where they volunteer bi-weekly

opponents’

resident she enjoys playing with has a service dog named

dominos back into a bag, sophomore Adeline

Cookie who jumps on tables, even if it means knocking over

Clifford and her friends finish each Sunday

a game of Jenga.

volunteering session at the Village at Mission

assisted living facility the same way.

“We’ll be back to play again in two weeks,” Adeline says habitually, with a smile — despite knowing that her opponents won’t remember her name by the next visit, let alone that 14 days have passed.

Adeline and sophomore volunteers Grace O’Donnell and

“There’s funny moments, but I’ve also learned how bad Alzheimer’s can be when we see episodes of residents who forget what’s going on,” Claire said. “We try to be patient and lighthearted.”

While interacting with patients, the girls notice a lot of repetition, having similar conversations regularly — even reteaching the rules of the same games every visit. Grace

THE LOCATION

The Village at Mission, 7 105 Mission Rd, Prairie V illa ge , KS 662 08

GAMES ON REPEAT

Claire Langford spend weekends playing board games with

has been volunteering in memory care since she was in

S o me of the SHARE chairs’ favorite game s to play

residents on the memory care floor, enjoying elderly antics

elementary school and says the staple games have remained

while volunteering and modifications they make to

and lessons about gratitude. The trio also oversees a SHARE

the same: go fish, king’s corner, checkers and dominoes.

acc ommoda te se nior re side nt s

“

project to recruit other student volunteers for the Village at Mission.

SOMETIMES WE’RE

the only visitors that people get, especially those with no family nearby, and it adds variety to their days.

AD EL I NE CL I F FO R D SOPHOMORE

“Sometimes we’re the only visitors that people get,

“The visits can blend together, so you might think it’d get boring,” Grace said. “Still, their faces light up whenever we walk in.”

Residents chatter with excitement for any new activity from Chiefs games to snack time, reminding the volunteers to be grateful for little things in life.

“Cookies are seriously [the residents’] favorite thing,” Claire said with a chuckle. “When we bring them, they actually gobble them down. Everyone always asks for another one. Of course Harry always asks for another and says he didn’t have one yet, even when we know he did.”

Grace has had her share of silly moments like patients carpet

behind

their facial

KINGS CORNER

colors of the cards are

d isreg ard ed to simp lif y the g ame

unknowingly

dragging

wheelchairs

or

they have forgetful moments at times, but there’s still

expressions after being served a healthy soda alternative

jokes and lively interaction.”

instead of Sprite. But she’s also seen emergencies with

players begin with five cards

ambulance visits and residents leaving in stretchers.

only inste ad of more

over-the-top

shocked

the g ame e a sier

to their days,” Adeline said. “Our routine is repetitive and

During each hour-long visit, they play up to seven

of

color-coded number tile s make

especially those with no family nearby, and it adds variety

wearing

rolls

DOMINOES

games of dominoes. Over more than a year of volunteering,

“That’s made me realize that time is precious, and I’m

they’ve gotten to know some regular characters: Lee tells

more grateful for every minute I spend with my family and

stories of his past military life between turns, Lisa’s

grandparents while I still can,” Grace said.

attention might drift to the TV after a few games and Harry is the most competitive dominos player.

“If Harry gets a double, he likes to yell, ‘Blicky blicky!’ for some reason,” Adeline said. “It’s definitely gratifying to volunteer there, especially when Harry’s at the table. He gets so excited to have visitors.”

Adeline says the trio will continue volunteering for the rest of high school, and they encourage other students to join the GroupMe for their SHARE project in order to come along.

“The residents basically sit in this giant room all day with some TVs,” Claire said. “The nurses do everything

Claire says Harry isn’t afraid to call out other players

they can to help, but it’s still kind of sad. We want [the

for “cheating,” otherwise known as a fellow memory care

residents] to have something nice to do and people to talk

patient accidentally taking one too many dominos. Another

to, even if it’s just an hour of dominoes.”

GO FISH

IN THE STUDIO 18 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

T

D'a΅ '¨'a D΅< #'

Luke

Pearcy and Charlie Carroll are sitting in

Pearcy’s walk-in closet, rapping verses from their notes app into the microphone

on their earbuds. Surrounding the boys were Lego sets and bright purple LED lights.

Pearcy had seen the fun other kids at school were having creating lyrics and recording their songs and

“It was us getting into this crappy closet, just getting on our phones and writing down lyrics and then finding beats online — and then just go for it,” Carroll said.

Though it started out as a joke, the more Pearcy continued to rap, the more passionate he became about it. Once in high school, he began to take it more seriously.

Five years later, now-senior Pearcy can still be found rapping in his closet — but he replaced his earbud-microphone with a professional recording microphone and his closet is now decked out with $1,000 worth of recording equipment.

“Every time I would record and finish a song, each one was better than the last,” Pearcy said. “So that’s how I kind of knew it was meant for me and then I started working and experimenting more and finding new sounds till I got what I have now.”

Through rapping in seventh grade Pearcy also came up with his very own rapper name: Leanhead. No one can quite remember its origin, but the catchy name has stuck with him in and out of the studio.

“That was part of the joke [of us rapping together], and I kind of just stuck with it,” Pearcy said. “I don’t even really like it that much, but people know me by that.”

Now when Pearcy records a song he still finds a free

career out of his closet in hope s to be c ome a profe ssiona l mu sic a r tist

Brown’s known Pearcy since second grade and

then finishes off the song with adlibs or background

to planning album drops. He’s always supported

vocals before adding autotune to get the sound he

Pearcy’s career and thought he was breaking

wants on his voice. He tries getting sounds similar to

stereotypes, starting a rap career as a “white

artists Playboi Carti or Ken Carson with their playful

boy from PV.”

melodies and intense beats that are sure to blow your car speaker.

Greenstein has helped Pearcy’s rap career from the sidelines, supporting

ad•lib

The group would pick a beat off YouTube and

microphone with a sock before saving it on GarageBand.

S enior Luke Pearcy star ted a rapping

watched him grow from jokingly rapping into a sock

convincing classmates to join them to freestyle a verse.

“effects” to their voices by covering the earbuds

p h o to s b y m a s o n s a j n a

Logic Pro and puts down his vocals and freestyles. He

in their makeshift “studio”— every once in a while,

jokingly freestyle over it — sometimes even adding

d e s ig n b y s yd n ey e c k

beat off YouTube like he used to, but downloads it to

wanted to try it out. He convinced Carroll to join him

SPOTIFY RUNDOWN

story b y e mme rso n wi n frey

THE HARBINGER

his work and letting him use his mom’s apartment for his music

t h e m u s i c i a n i s a t l i b e r t y t o m a ke t h e i r o w n i n t e r p re t a t i o n s o f t h e m e l o d y t o a d d t o a melody or song.

video.

“They

were

filming

and

Pearcy was texting me, and

Pearcy has released ten singles and four albums

I had the idea if they wanted

on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple

to go and use my mom’s place

Music, Soundcloud and YouTube Music since early

and they could dance around,”

2022 and released his latest song “Fam3” this January.

Greenstein said.

“Fam3”

was

different

from

Pearcy’s

previous

Greenstein will be able to

songs. When he was recording it, the sound of the

keep cheering Pearcy on next

song itself stood out more than others he’d released.

year while they’re both at

After showing it to others, he realized how much it

the University of Arizona, with

stood out from the rest of his discography. It quickly

Pearcy

shot to his top song on Spotify and he collaborated

program after high school.

with senior and videographer Calen Domingues on a music video for it.

attending

their

music

Pearcy wants to get more into production of music and

“I actually sent the song to one of [Domingues’s]

making

beats

friends and his friend played it for him and he said

college

instead

he really liked it so he decided that he would make

doing vocals like he does

me a free music video, which I thought was actually

now.

the coolest thing ever,” Pearcy said. “It really, really helped my confidence.”

throughout of

simply

“My program after high

school,

that’s

The video was posted across all of Domingues’s

where

I

like

and Pearcy’s social media and gained over 200 likes

should

on their shared Instagram post.

peak,”

Pearcy

said.

“I’m

making

the

“I had expectations going in for what I wanted to

feel be

at

do, but I went above all the expectations I had even

beats, I’m making

though I had no idea what I was doing,” Domingues

the

said.

mastering

Pearcy also received help from other friends along

vocals,

myself.

it I

I

my

I’m all think

the way, such as seniors Charlie Greenstein and Levi

that’ll make me feel

Brown with things like coming up with lyrics, finding

complete.”

the right beat or even just supporting his career.

O verv i e w o f L u ke’s m o s t re c e n t

single s a n d h i s s tat i s t i c s o n S p o t i f y

76 11

MONTHLY LISTENERS

4 ALBUMS

SINGLES

FAM3

2024

MY SHOT

2023

LEAN4EVER

2023

NO HANDS

2023

copy by neva h udson

de s i g n by avery anderson p h o to by carol i n e m ar tu cci

Emma MOLTENI THE HARBINGER

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 | 19

SCAN ME VIDEO Emma Molteni singing “A Little Bit of Good” from “Chicago.”

S enior Emma Molteni is classically trained in opera singing and plans to p ursue a career i n vo cal p er fo r m ance

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SINGING FOR?

“

I started doing choir class and musical theater in fifth grade, and then I kind of transitioned to classical and opera sophomore and junior year. I’m better at singing classical music than pop or musical theater usually but part of what drew me to it was just being introduced to operas and things. I definitely enjoy the act of singing opera and the dramatics of it. It’s very over dramatic, which I think is fun.

HOW HAVE YOU LEARNED TO SING CLASSICALLY AND IS IT HARD TO FIND THAT KIND OF TRAINING?

“

I have a voice teacher, it’s changed over the years, but I do private lessons. That’s how I learned about more classical things because we do some musical theater pieces and some classical pieces. I don’t think it’s hard to find necessarily because a lot of voice teachers will start with more classical pieces to grow your voice. I guess it’s more hard to find experience actually doing it.

DO YOU WANT TO CONTINUE TO PURSUE SINGING OPERA AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?

“

I want to major in vocal performance, which is basically opera and classical voice. Ideally in my future, I’d love to be getting paid for that. I have auditions set up at UMKC, KU and Manhattan School of Music and Boston Conservatory, so there’s been a lot of preparing for those.

&

20 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

de s ig n by l u c y st e ph e n s ph o to s co ur te s y o f i mdb.co m

smeharbinger.net/category/a&e

RECENT

Look out for these new relases comming to theaters

MOVIE PREMIERE

BOB MARLEY ONE LOVE Release Date: Feb. 14

Genre:

UPCOMING EVENTS Mark your calenders for these upcoming events

FEB 8-10

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“ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” MUSICAL

IT’S A VERY fun show and a really fun opportunity.

We’ve put in a lot of time and effort, and I think it’s good to come support other areas in your community.

L AYL A LE DFO R D SENIOR

Drama, Music

Running Time: 2 hrs 24 mins

Starring:

Kingsley Ben-Adir, James Norton

“

FEB 19 PRESIDENT’S DAY

SCAN ME TICKETS

inspired by his music and his way of life, I want to hear some of the stories behind his

JUNIOR

DO YOU CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 4 7 v o t e s

YES NO

22%

Usher will be performing the halftime show for Super Bowl LVIII

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Release Date:

Feb. 14

Genre:

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Running Time: 1 hr 52 mins

Starring:

Sydney Sweeney, Dakota Johnson & Emma Roberts

ARE YOU GOING TO WATCH “MADAME WEB?” * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 8 6 v o t e s

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USHER’S HALFTIME SHOW

M ORG A N A N DE RSO N

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I’VE ALWAYS BEEN

songs.

FEB 10 LUNAR NEW YEAR FEB 11 SUPER BOWL LVIII FEB 14 VALENTINE’S DAY

84%

USHER’S BIGGEST HITS #1 Yeah! (2003) #2 My Way (1997) #3 Love In This Club (2008)

“

I’VE NEVER SEEN

him perform, and he’s been pretty quiet for a long time. I’m into a lot of the early 2000s music, and I didn’t think he’d do something like this.

EL L A W EB ER JUNIOR

SCAN ME MUSIC Scan to listen to Spotify ’s “Best of Usher” playlist featuring some of his best works

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s tor y by is abe l bal da ss aro

THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by cl ara burdick

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 | 21

p h o to s by l yl a weeks

LOCAL

BILLIES A re v i e w o n n e w p a s t r ie s served at the the new Billie’s G ro cer y l o cat i o n i n R anchm ar t

BILLIE’S GROCERY HAS recently

become

area furnished with plants and spaced out

my go-to study spot. Nothing beats their iced

tables made me feel at peace and ready to

coffee, pastries and tomato soup as a cure to my

conquer any assignment. It offers a laid back

homework-induced cravings.

environment to try some of their new bakery

The only downside to the original Kansas City,

items released after it opened.

Missouri location is the constant line out the

I decided to order their new Matcha Eclair

door. I recently visited the new Leawood location

pastry and two protein bites I’d been eyeing

that opened this winter in hopes of eliminating

since I saw the ad for their new collab on

this issue and truly discovering my ideal study

Instagram. This collaboration between Lite

spot.

Bites KC — seller of premium protein and

I

noticed

their

display

of

items

from

sweatshirts to cards that you could buy right in

granola treats — and Billie’s was one of their efforts to promote the new building.

front of the cash register. The wide open seating

MATCHA ECLAIR I’VE ALWAYS TENDED towards unique flavors like lavender

statement that rang true when

and cilantro, so I assumed I’d enjoy the strong flavors of

I

their earthy matcha. In a delightful twist, the pastry was

my

light and sweet with a perfect balance between the typically

shockingly finished it in record time.

took

the

leftovers

matcha-hating

home

sisters

to

who

overpowering matcha and the sweetness a pastry should

The whopping $4.75 price tag can be an easy excuse to

have. Between the three different layers — bread, cream and

overlook the pastry but it ended up being one of my new

hardened white chocolate — and the combination of freshness

favorite sweets. It’s safe to say I’ll be purchasing this one

and a sugary tang, this dish was my favorite.

again.

This item is a f lavor ful pa stry tha t pa c ks a punc h with it s thre e layered complexit y.

The treat could easily appeal to anyone’s taste buds — a

CRANBERRY PROTEIN BITE STILL IN AWE from the splendor of my previous treat,

My initial doubts about the pricing were put to rest as I

I hastily grabbed my next plate ready to be blown away by

finished the rest of the protein bite. It was truly worth every

another delicious snack. Though I’ve never been a big fan of

cent of the $2 I paid for it. For the price of only 5$ for a pack

cranberries, the moment I bit down on the cranberry protein

of three, I’m ready to go back and purchase them for a tasty

bite, I was in heaven. The salty peanut butter meshed perfectly

snack throughout the week.

with the sweet cranberries to create a delicious yet protein-

This item is a t a steful mixture of s alt y and sweet , with the combina tion on pe anut butter and cranberrie s.

rich snack. The bite was only the size of a tablespoon serving, yet full of flavor.

CHOCOLATE CHIP PROTEIN BITE SOMEHOW, THE CHOCOLATE chip bite was even better.

included constant help from the staff who were ecstatic to

It once again provided the mix of smooth and crunchy for an

navigate me around the spacious building.

ideal texture and perfect after-school snack. And just when it can’t get any better, it does. Paralleling their nutritional objective, the bites are gluten free, nutrient dense and of course, packed with protein, according to their website.

What’s better? My delightful time spent in the restaurant

Now, there’s a close restaurant where I can find both food and cute accessories in a welcoming environment.

Billie’s Leawood location is yet to suffer the same crowded fate as its Kansas City, Missouri location so visit it while you can still secure a table.

This item is a delicious gluten free snack tha t ha s a wonder ful crunch from the c h oc ola te c h ips .

22 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

GRILLED TO

THE HARBINGER

PERFECTION R ecre a t i n g a n d re v i e w i n g t h e “ To p 5 G r i l l e d Chee se s of 202 3” according to Chef Ty ler o n TikTo k

INTRO

p h o to s b y ri l ey s cot t

WHEN I THINK of sandwiches, pieces

of

I

grilled

cheese

from lobster to spinach and artichoke

two

toasted

dip, my mouth watered at his cheese pull

surrounding

melted,

videos.

envision

bread

gooey cheese. I thought the only way

After

to customize the sandwich was with

displays

different breads or cheeses — until I saw

reviews it on a scale of one to 10. So far,

Chef Tyler’s “Top Five Grilled Cheeses of

only four have received a perfect 10 — so

2023” TikTok.

I was insistent on trying to recreate these

Known for making specialty grilled

#1 #4

ADDIE’S RANKING: TYLER’S RANKING:

GARLIC BREAD THE APPETIZER

story & de sig n b y addi e mo o re

BEST

The garlic seeped into the bread

any

and the cheese, making the flavor

pizza restaurant is undoubtedly

apparent in every bite. The only

the cheesy garlic bread, so when I

thing that could make this already

saw Tyler praising his garlic bread

heavenly sandwich better is using

grilled cheese, I had to try it.

Texas

at

This is the closest thing to a “generic grilled cheese” featured

Toast

and

dipping

it

#3

being

full

from

my the

Tyler

sandwich

and

groundbreaking grilled cheeses.

#1

TYLER’S RANKING:

ADDIE’S RANKING:

BUTTER CHICKEN

WITH THE BUTTER chicken grilled cheese, Tyler

added a nutty, more

manages to turn another classic Indian dish into a

earthy flavor.

grilled cheese masterpiece. The butter chicken grilled

After

trying

both

cheese was similar to the chicken tikka masala one,

Indian-inspired dishes, it was hard for me to rate

the only difference being a sweeter, creamier sauce.

the butter chicken higher than the chicken tikka

The consistency of the sauce contrasts the

masala because of its lack of spice. Even though it

crunchiness of the bread, making the textures melt

was satisfactory, the spice from the tikka masala

in

sauce tops the butter sauce any day.

my

mouth. The cashews in the sauce

#4

ADDIE’S RANKING:

in

sandwiches,

process,

TYLER’S RANKING:

#2

SMOKED BRISKET AND CARAMELIZED ONION

in the video, but the minced garlic

previous

and garlic powder on the inside of

garlic bread grilled cheese was so

the bread gave the flavor its own

tasty that I ate the whole thing —

uniqueness that no other grilled

and proceeded to make another

MY GO-TO ORDER at any barbeque restaurant is

more effort than it was worth. My mediocre cooking

one.

brisket, but it’s even better on grilled cheese.

skills forced me to buy the smoked brisket from a

#2 #3

cheese could ever have.

ADDIE’S RANKING: TYLER’S RANKING:

three

his

finished

cheeses with wacky ingredients ranging

marinara sauce.

Despite

filming the

crunchy,

a classic Indian dish of chicken

complements the creamy texture of

soaked in a spicy and earthy tikka

the tikka masala sauce.

grilled

sourdough

also

masala sauce usually served on

Being able to take my staple

rice with naan bread — might just

take-out dish, put it on bread with

be my new favorite grilled cheese

some cheese and cook it on the

ingredient.

stove for a couple minutes is the soaked

easiest — and best — way to take

up the spicy sauce, muting the

chicken tikka masala to the next

spice level for my fellow foodies

level.

with

sensitive

bread

taste

buds.

The

after the grocery store for the other ingredients. And

pairing reminded me of the mouthwatering Texas

contrary to Tyler’s effortless video, caramelizing

Ranger sandwich I often opt for at Meat Mitch —

onions isn’t nearly as easy as he made it look —

to the point where I was tempted to drench it in

taking much longer than the

barbeque sauce.

two second clip in the

#5

ADDIE’S RANKING:

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA —

sourdough

barbeque restaurant, which required a second stop

the soft texture of the meat. The brisket and onion

Despite being tasty, making this sandwich was

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA

The

The crunchiness of the onion complemented

TYLER’S RANKING:

RASPBERRY, JALAPENO AND BACON

#5

video.

A GRILLED CHEESE recipe with raspberries,

bacon — the raspberries with their tart and sweet

bacon and jalapeños on it seemed repulsive, so my

flavor combined with the jalapeños stinging spice

stomach churned when Tyler rated this sandwich as

overpowered any other flavor in the sandwich.

the fifth best grilled cheese of 2023.

This suspicious combination was made even

Bacon and jalapeños together? Delicious. Bacon

worse by the textures. The slimy consistency of the

and raspberries? A little questionable. But all three

raspberries and juice dripping off of my hands made

combined is borderline insanity.

me already biased against this sandwich.

The sweetness and tartness of the raspberries did

The bacon and cheddar combo was outstanding,

NOT mix well with the savory jalapeños and bacon.

but I still believe that jalapeños and raspberries

The only part of the sandwich that I enjoyed was the

shouldn’t come within five feet of each other.

FRESH JUICES & SMOOTHIES

JUICES AND SMOOTHIES

10% OFF WITH YOUR STUDENT ID

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Sports

...

5

5:30 p.m.

Freshman Basketball vs. Olathe East

6

FEBRUARY

5:30p.m.

Cheer Senior Night

8

a y le f t

1

cheer

senior night

Ma r k y o ur calendars for the se UPCOMING EVENTS

smeharbinger.net/category/sports

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 | 24

d

d e si g n by l i bby mars h

FEBRUARY

3:30 p.m.

B o y s Va r s i t y S w i m M e e t

10

TBD

FEBRUARY

Girls Wrestling Regional @ Spring Hill

game recap L E F T Seniors Patrick Flint, Patrick Byrd, Hudson O’Neill and Peter Stechschulte cheer for the Lancers during player introductions. The student section sat and read Harbinger paper as the Rockhurst starting lineup was announced. When the East line up was announced the crowed cheered and threw their papers in the air.

A summary o f th e East v s. R o ck h urst b asket b al l g am e

photo by caroline martucci

started ahead 15-13 in the first quarter

THE VARSITY boys basketball team

they

fell to Rockhurst High School 66-54. The

the score with in 10 points. However

annual rivalry game was held on Friday Jan. 26 at East. The student section was packed shoulder-to -shoulder with fans dressed in “Beat Rock” shirts made by the students store. While the Lancers

fell

behind

managing

to

keep

multiple turnovers in the fourth quarter widened the gap and the Lancers were unable to come back, according to coach Shawn Hair. Despite the varsity loss the JV team won 56-48.

SCAN ME GALLERY A gallery of the girls freshman basketball game against William Chrisman

B O T T O M Senior Blake Hanson attempts to stop the ball before his opponent can get down the court. photo by amelie wong

coach review SHAWN HAIR BOY S VARSITY BAS KETBALL COACH

B O T T O M L E F T Junior Cole Chinook passes the ball to his teammate, senior Teddy Saylor, as his opponent tries to block the pass. photo by amelie wong

“

IT’S SUCH AN intense rivalry that half

of the fans are excited when you make a good play and the other half of the fans are booing you when you make a good play.

So I think our kids handled that adversity very well.

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 | 25

THE HARBINGER

stor y and pho to by mary g a gen

de s i gn by zan e l ai ng

WRESTLING MANIA A look into how the boys and girls wre stling teams’ seasons are going and the

BOYS UPDATE

WITH 11 TOURNAMENT S complete and four left, varsity team captain and junior Grey Robinson hopes to help his team improve their personal records as well as achieve their academic goals as they train daily for the upcoming district, regional and state tournaments.

As the team spends time together cheering for each other during tournaments, playing games together and practicing, the underclassmen learn more about the team culture.

“There’s something we say in the wrestling room,” Robinson said. “Once you wrestle, it makes everything else in life seem a little bit easier to manage.”

Robinson strives to teach the underclassmen this lesson like his own upperclassmen had taught him.

According to Robinson, the same dedication needed on the mat should be applied to everyday life. This lesson helped him place second at the Grandview Invitational tournament on Jan. 26 this year in the 138 pound weight class.

“The work ethic needed for wrestling definitely carries over into my everyday life and school,” Robinson said.

With only three seniors in the program this year, head coach Chip Ufford attributes much of the team’s compatibility to both the seniors and juniors encouraging and leading younger athletes. “[Our upperclassmen] do a great job of leading,” Ufford said. “It takes time, it takes effort and it takes energy to develop a community of people who want to compete and push each other.”

According to Ufford, he and his coaching staff are primarily interested in the holistic growth of their athletes. He pushes their growth by emphasizing work ethic through conditioning and pep talks.

“Wrestling is a tough sport,” Ufford said. “[Wrestlers] learn how to get through hard times, and not just quit and give up, because things can get difficult in life.”

According to Ufford, many of his former athletes return and share how wrestling in high school shaped their work ethic in their personal lives.

Despite having a young team, with six out of 11 varsity wrestlers being underclassmen, Ufford hopes his wrestlers qualify for the state tournament on Feb. 22 by placing in the district and regional tournaments. “[Wrestling] is like a rollercoaster,” Ufford said.

“There’s the ups and downs. We’re at a low point right now, but we’re going to start turning the corner and come back.”

perseverance it take s to be a wre stler

GIRLS UPDATE WITH SIX GIRLS in the wrestling

program — compared to the two last year — varsity captain and junior Sylvia MohrSting felt successful in pioneering the program as she’s watched the team compete in eight tournaments so far this season, typically with placers in each.

“It’s awesome to see the growth in our program,” MohrSting said. “With more teammates, it’s honestly more fun.”

First year wrestler and sophomore Maria Scott credits her joining the program to MohrSting’s practice partner, co-captain and junior Abi Contreras.

“I had weights with Abi,” Scott said. “She told me how fun wrestling is, and really seemed passionate about it, so I wanted to try it.”

Contreras placed sixth at the Paola Invitational tournament on Jan. 19 this year in the 115 pound weight class. MohrSting also placed fifth in the 120

“

pound weight class.

IT’S AWESOME TO see the growth in our program.

S YLV I A M O H RS TI N G JUNIOR

“My family keeps me going by encouraging me and

pushing me,” Contreras said. “And honestly, I’m too stubborn to give up.

Contreras’s family attends every meet she com-

UPCOMING

SCHEDULE East w re st l i n g t o urn am en t s co m i n g so o n

SAT, FEB. 3

TUE, FEB. 6

SUNFLOWER LEAGUE

DISTRICTS

TUE, FEB. 6

SAT, FEB. 10

DISTRICTS

REGIONALS

BOYS/GIRLS @SMNW GIRLS

BOYS

@SMN

GIRLS

TBD

@SPRING HILL

FRI-SAT, FEB. 16-17

THU-SAT, FEB. 22-24

REGIONALS

STATE MEET

petes in. Similarly, girls’ wrestling coach Tanner Laird attributes much of the growth of the program to the work ethic and motivation MohrSting and Contreras regularly display.

The team hopes to finish the season strong and grow even larger next year by supporting female wrestlers at Indian Hills Middle School by having East wrestlers assist in coaching at the middle school level.

“The girls are good people, athletes and students,” Laird said. “They deserve a lot of credit for the growth of our program.”

The next big events for the girls’ program are the District Meet on Feb. 6, the Regional Meet on Feb. 10, and the State tournament on Feb. 22.

“I placed eighth last year,” MohrSting said. “But this year I want to aim higher. Hopefully top five.”

BOYS

@OLATHE WEST

BOYS/GIRLS

@HARTMAN ARENA WICHITA

ON THE ICE

26 | FEBRUARY 5 2024

story b y c ar l su tt o n

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y l o re l e i g a l l e s & a d d i e mo o re p h o to s b y c a ro l i n e ma r t u cc i & l y l a we e ks

Ca r r i a g e C l u b h o c ke y p l a y e rs s o p h o m o re Henry Zwillenberg and junior Henry

Pollock ref lec t o n th e s e as o n afte r c o n v i n c i n g t h ei r f r i en d s to j o i n t h e tea m

S

OPHOMORE ZWILLENBERG

HENRY

on is difficult, but learning to move forward

down

and backward is even harder according to

Sophomore Henry Zwillenberg flew

the team’s coach Joe Zwillenberg. After five

skated

down the Carriage Club ice rink,

months of weekly skating practice, Wetzel

hockey stick in hand, maneuvering around

now glides over the ice with less slipping and

a Kansas City Stars defender firing the puck

sliding.

“

past the goalie and into the top left of the net for his 12th goal of the season.

Zwillenberg and his friend junior Henry Pollock have been playing hockey since they

were in preschool — where they just learned the basics. This year, they recruited Woodsie

Wetzel to play with them on the Carriage Club Hockey team

“I just love hanging out with the fellas,”

Zwillenberg said. “We hang out every day at practice.”

Now,

with

the

season

in

full

swing

and coming off a 6-1 win over Rockhurst,

DURING THE

first few games, I was scared to go out on the ice. Both Henry’s helped me with things like skating and controlling the puck outside of practice.

weeks of the season because it wasn’t cold

traveling from state to state for tournaments

enough to practice yet,” Pollock said. “So

or practicing in their backyards after school.

when we did start, [Wetzel] and a lot of the

Pollock and Zwillenberg have been begging

new people kept falling over like every few

Wetzel’s first hurdle was getting all of

minutes while they were trying to skate.”

Wetzel says that the coaches on the team

“During the first few games, I was scared to go out on the ice,” Wetzel said. “Both

of pads for a total of $1500.

Henry’s helped me with things like skating

team

travels

places

like

Pollock and Zwillenberg would stay late

of it, but they didn’t have everything so I had

to help him with skating after practice, so he

to go to other stores.”

wouldn’t feel as scared as he had been when

northwestern

KC Ice Center

and The

team

has

Po l l o c k w a i t s d u r i n g a s h o o t i n g

the team is staying, according to Coach

d r i l l . P h oto by Ly l a We e k s

Zwillenberg.

“Traveling is really fun, we all stay in the same rooms and bring Xboxes from home,” Pollock said.

Coach Zwillenberg, has been focused on developing a competitive team since

any other Kansas City team.

He has always enjoyed the dynamic of the Henry’s and their recruited rookie friend despite his desire to stay competitive.

“It’s just really fun to see the kids who are just starting to develop for me and the players,” Coach Zwillenberg said.

We t ze l a n d Po l l o c k s ta n d o u t s i d e the rink laughing at someone who just slipped on the ice.

P h oto by C a ro l i n e M a r t u cc i

he’d go out on the ice.

They especially enjoy staying at hotels and

A lo ok a he a d a t th e u p c o mi n g h o c ke y s c h e d ul e fo r t he rem ai nd er o f t he seaso n

F E B R U A R Y 9:40 p.m.

Arkansas.

team dinners at nearby restaurants where

UPCOMING GAMES

09

to

Wichita

and controlling the puck outside of practice.”

said. “I went to Play it Again Sports for most

to skate. Just learning to stand with skates

other when the

the bench is electric.

gloves, jerseys and multiple different kinds

Then came the hard part:learning how

e each

are always very helpful and the attitude on

the necessary hockey gear: a helmet, stick,

“It was difficult getting the gear,” Wetzel

m

to three league championships — more than

as they can with their team — whether it’s

deciding not to play basketball this season.

i

with

his son, Henry. Since then, he’s led the team

SOPHOMORE “We didn’t have practice for the first two

for years but he just recently agreed after

t

starting his coaching career 14 years ago for

WO O D SIE WETZEL

Zwillenberg and Pollock spend as much time

sophomore Woodsie Wetzel to join the team

spending

10

FEBRUARY

9 p.m.

KC Ice Center

11

The boys go out onto the ice at the beginning of practice.

P hoto by C a rol i n e Ma r tucci

FEBRUARY

2 p.m.

KC Ice Center

17

FEBRUARY Wichita, KS

TBD

ALL

FEBRUARY 5, 2023 | 27

THE HARBINGER

de sign by l i v madde n

ROCKED OUT

After a week full of hype videos and printing shirts, the East basketball teams played against Rockhurst on Jan. 26.

L E F T The student section cheers for SM East player introductions before the varsity game. “I love the energy that everyone brought to the game.

Hearing everyone chant and get excited for our team is one of my favorite things ever,” senior Nick Lindmark said photo by caroline martucci

R I G H T Senior Claire Schudy and other Pep Club Executives cheer after the final Rockhurst starting player was announced. During Rockhurst’s starting lineup, students sat and read the Harbinger newspapers — a prank planned by Pep Club.

Afterwards, they threw the papers into the air.

photo by mason sajna

SCAN ME PHOTO Scan this QR code to access photos from the Varsity game

SCAN ME PHOTO Scan this QR code to access photos from the JV game

R I G H T Senior Teddy Saylor makes a layup in the second quarter, making the score 15-11 in favor of the Lancers. photo by mason sajna

T O P R I G H T Seniors Wesley Cribb, Alex Flower, Nick Lindmark, Hudson O’Neill, Peter Stechschulte and Alex Tiedt try to push through the door to get inside. Students began lining up at 3:30 p.m. outside the cafeteria doors to be the first ones in the gym at 4:30 p.m. for the JV game. East administrators stood inside as the students were banging on the windows, chanting to be let in early. photo by amelie wong

28 | FEBRUARY 5, 2024

story b y ma g gi e co n do n

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y b ri d ge t co n n e l l y p h o to s c o u r te s y o f f e at u re d co u p l e s

EAST’S

sweethearts

duseks THE

A s Valentine’s Day approache s, discover the love storie s of t hree East staff co up l e s

ATHLETIC COUNSELOR JIM and Athletic Secretary

the rest of the month.

“In December of ‘88, I went back out [to

After having three sons and spending 27

Jeanne Dusek’s love story is a

Virginia Beach] and ever since then we were

years in the Navy, Jim retired and the family

family affair. They originally

inseparable,” Jeanne said. “Then I moved out

moved back to Kansas City. Although it wasn’t

met at a Thanksgiving dinner

[there] in June of ‘89.”

planned, they both happened to end up with

in

1988

where

in

Virginia

Jeanne’s

After six months of dating and a six-month

Beach

brother

and

his wife lived — who just so

1989

WHAT’S

A

LOVE

story

without

school, the couple is grateful to know they have

“Sometimes the journey of growing together

Hitting it off over dinner led

“It’s a comfort thing, you know?” Jeanne

we didn’t date a lot. We were [dating for] six

said. “It’s kind of like a good chocolate or a

quickly embarking on a “You Got Mail”

months and then we were engaged and then

good french fry.”

romance — becoming digital pen pals for

married, so there was a lot of growing that we

a

of North Dakota that afternoon.

They said their goodbyes and the usual

dad was the pastor who married Maggie’s

That night, as Maggie was preparing for her layover in Minneapolis, she saw Doug

Maggie was playing softball for the school

sitting in her terminal.

parents.

They dated throughout college and continued to live in North

and Doug was playing basketball. They met

“I get to the terminal and Doug is sitting

Dakota after graduation. Finally,

in a student-athlete class and discovered

there,” Maggie laughed. “I go, ‘What are

the pair got married on Sept. 10,

they were both from Kansas City.

you doing?’ and he goes ‘This is the world’s

2016, and moved back to Kansas

longest layover.’”

City in 2019.

dropping them off at the airport to head home

And in true rom-com fashion, their seat

for winter break when she miraculously ran

assignments were next to each other. They

department,

into Doug. He explained that he was heading

talked the whole way home.

overlap all the time,” Maggie said.

back to his hometown near Kansas City

Even

now

they

coincidences

archers

one of Doug’s high school basketball coach’s

“Have a nice break!”

went to college in North Dakota in 2009.

Maggie was helping out a friend by

THE

parents share the same anniversary or that

will get there, but before all that, the two

continue that

have

to

“For

being our

in

the

same

paths

don’t

discover

“But it’s nice at the end of the day

connected

to have a spouse who gets it, who

and was about to board a flight, so Maggie

more

explained that she was also going to fly out

them throughout their life — like that their

understands the life of a teacher.”

THE COACH SHAWN HAIR and

Hê

2016

on the bench while Shawn coached games.

on their Lancer love story. Through nearly

Jennifer

At the time, Grace was in kindergarten and

16 years of marriage, their family grew with

Hair’s love story is a scene

loved watching cheerleaders perform so

the birth of their two daughters — now

straight out of “High School

she’d go over and sit with Jennifer to hang

14-year-old

Musical” — except a teacher

out with the cheerleaders during the games.

Caroline.

business

version

teacher

with

almost

no

Shawn appreciated Jennifer’s kindness towards his kids and eventually started

musical numbers.

The pair met in 2005 at East

2008

someone so close if they ever need anything.

to the two exchanging numbers and

Coaches Maggie and Doug Archer’s story

Hê

Though they work at different ends of the

just a year after they met. makes that bond,” Jim said. “Because honestly,

serendipitous magical airport scene?

hairs

jobs at East.

engagement, the pair got married in December

happened to be Jim’s sister.

Hê

did together and that made us closer.”

seeing her outside of school as friends.

Annabelle

and

10-year-old

Having their family be a part of the East community came naturally.

“Our nanny is a senior at East, and so

while Jennifer was coaching

A year later, faculty began to question if

we love our Lancers enough that we trust

cheer and Shawn was coaching

anything was going on, so they announced

them with our own kids, our own dogs,”

basketball,

that their relationship was official.

Jennifer said. “It’s just integrated into our

spending

Friday

nights under the same fluorescent lights of the gymnasium.

Jennifer grew close to Shawn’s kids, Grace and Luke, as they hung out

“She really is my best friend,” Shawn said. “And she’s helped me through so much.”

On Oct. 18, 2008, the two tied the knot

family structure and our marriage.”