THE
harbinger...
SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 7500 MISSION ROAD PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS 66208 FEBRUARY 20, 2024 VOLUME LXVI ISSUE 10
BUILDING
CHEMISTRY Chemistry teacher S teven
A p p i e r spent the last 2 9 years b u i l d ing excitement around s c i ence in and out of the c l assroom and is retiring t hi s May
A LOOK INSIDE:
page 6... Students feel effects of local restaurants violating child labor laws
21... Following the Chiefs’ Superbowl win, read about the best and worst commercials
25... The varsity baseball team was first in class 6A pre-season rankings
02 | FEBRUARY 20, 2024
THE HARBINGER
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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 curre n t e v e n t h a p p e n i n g i n Pa r k l a n d , F l o r i da, according to t h e ir s t u d e nt pu b l i c ati o n , Th e Eag l e Eye n ew spaper
Students at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have put together a Pen Pal Club in an attempt to revive more personal means of communication that don’t involve social media The Pen Pal Appreciation Club writes to people living in senior living homes and at local elementary schools as well as schools in different countries
SCAN ME WEBSITE Visit this link to view more stories from The Eagle Eye
ʼnőÁƅ ěĆʼnő PRINT EDITORS K atie Murphy Greyson Imm
THE EAGLE EYE Marjory Stoneman Douglas High
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
Isabel Balsassaro Lyla Weeks
Bridget Connelly
ASST. ART EDITOR K ai McPhail
PODCAST EDITOR Emma Krause
PHOTO MENTORS
SCAN ME WEBSITE
a r t b y b e l l a b ro ce
Read an opinion on how digital cameras are better than iPhone photos, a recap of the boys varsity swim season and a review of the newly released show “Percy Jackson and the Olympiads”
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
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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
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SM East Harbinger
EDITORIAL POLICY The Harbinger is a student run publication. Published editorials express the views of the Harbinger staff. Signed columns published in the Harbinger express the writer’s personal opinion. The content and opinions of the Harbinger do not represent the student body, faculty, administration or Shawnee Mission School District. The Harbinger will not share any unpublished content, but quotes material may be 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.
MEDIA W
;g ͢ ̩̩ < Ha ͢ ̪ legislation protecting underage users on social m edi a pl a tform s
any existing legislation, each time a new law comes
or scrolling through an infinite sea
out, they find a way to circumvent it by adding a
of Young Sheldon clips, the same
small clause written in micro-text within the rest
platform fails to prevent spreading
of their terms and conditions that everyone reads word for word when downloading new apps. Like
content involving child abuse. Despite growing concerns over the negative
how X has the rights to all content posted on the
impact of social media on youth mental health
platform and can make money without user consent
and well-being, platforms like X, Instagram and
permission.
Snapchat lack any structured regulation. With the
To address these shortcomings, it’s imperative
large role social media plays in our society today,
that policymakers prioritize the creation of stricter
there is an urgent need for the United States
social media regulations specifically tailored to
government to enact more robust legislation to
protect underage users.
social media such as anxiety, depression, and self-
dollar
harm.
40-year-old predators to interact with minors just raise
awareness
for
such
legislation, the U.S. Senate called a hearing with CEOs of the five biggest tech companies — Meta, Snap, Discord, X and TikTok — to appear at a hearing where Senator Ted Cruz accosted them for blatantly allowing content involving child-porn on their platforms. Per usual, the billionaires just stood there, listening soullessly trying to feint empathy and all the while thinking about the next best way to sell $6.99 Temu knock-offs on their platform. The one time I saw a drop of genuine sorrow for the CEOs was when relatives in the audience held up
corporations
get
away
with
+
allowing
because the website required them to click a button
“
“ensuring” that they were 18.
TO ADDRESS
these shortcomings, it’s imperative that policymakers prioritize the creation of stricter social media regulations specifically tailored to protect underage users.
pictures of their children who had taken their lives
One proposed bill that would establish some
because of social media. If seeing real people who
form of protection is the Kids Online Safety Act.
have had their families ruined because of underage
Currently on the floor of Congress, it would allow
social media use wasn’t enough to invoke change,
minors more data privacy, make companies have
then change might never be possible.
stricter content filters and also mitigate some of the
Thousands of people have had their lives ruined
addictive aspects of social media — implementing
because of a nude picture they didn’t mean to send.
time limits and disabling doom scrolling features
These kids weren’t aware of the inherent dangers
currently found on Instagram reels or YouTube
of the internet, but nonetheless, social media
Shorts.
platforms continue to allow underage nude pictures
Though
it
would
better
protect
children,
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wouldn’t want the
to be circulated or posted. Existing legislation such as the Children’s Online
government breathing down his neck, selling user
Privacy Protection Act or the Children’s Internet
data to the highest bidder. Our Government may not
Protection Act “protects” kids by including a “You
like the lack of empathy and his unwillingness to
must be 18 to use this website”— which is far too
change, but they do like the 19 million dollars that
easy for kids to bypass with a simple click.
Meta spent on lobbying efforts, according to the
These laws were signed over two decades ago, and
Senate Office of Public Records.
current 13-year-olds could probably build a website
But it isn’t entirely Zuckerberg’s fault. Part of
faster than the senators who enacted this bill.
the problem is that there are bad people on the
Legislation like COPPA and CIPA
are meaningless
internet, and no matter how much legislation is
— it’s just there for multi-billion dollar companies
enacted, that won’t change. We can change how
to avoid getting blamed when a teenage user kills
minors use social media, and ensure that they’re
themself after an online interaction.
educated enough to do so.
Most of these companies completely disregard
18
According to the current legislation, billion-
protect underage users from harmful effects of
to
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.
There should be more
HILE CHATTING WITH friends,
Attempting
FEBRURARY 20, 2024 | 03
THE HARBINGER
de s ig n b y k a i m c p h a i l
FACE THE ;
S tat s about c hildren’s expos u re to s oc ia l media
20%
OF KIDS THINK THEIR PARENTS DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY DO ONLINE.
OF KIDS AND TEENS HAVE GIVEN OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION TO SOMEONE THEY DON’T KNOW.
81%
55%
OF ONLINE 9-17 YEAR OLDS SAY THEY’VE VISITED A SOCIAL NETWORKING PLATFORM IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS.
OF KIDS AND TEENS SAY THEY WOULD CHANGE THEIR ONLINE BEHAVIOR IF THEY KNEW THAT THEIR PARENTS WERE WATCHING THEM.
43%
S ta t s c ou r te s y of gu a rdc hild.c om
Briefs...
storie s b y greyson imm
04 | FEBRUARY 20, 2024
d e s ig n b y s yd n ey e c k
smeharbinger.net/category/news
JUNIOR GRAHAM RIGSBY WON PTA ART COMPETITION AND IS CONTINUING TO STATE JUNIOR GRAHAM RIGSBY will compete in the
photo that he took while on a trip to visit his
state level of the PTA reflections contest in the
cousins in Uruguay last summer.
coming weeks after winning the SMSD regional contest. As one of four winners in the photography
I just want to travel and be able to explore the
division contest, Rigsby received an award of
world and see different cultures and different
excellence at the Jan. 22 SMSD Board of Education
types of people.”
meeting. The contest included original works
Rigsby said that he was encouraged to enter
of art in the categories of dance choreography,
his photo by his mother and aunt who run the
film production, literature, music composition,
PTA reflections contests at Prairie and Belinder
photography and visual arts. Open to grades
Elementary schools. He’s grateful that his mom’s
pre-K to 12, 109 SMSD students entered with 22
involvement in reflections encouraged him, as
were being selected as finalists.
well as other students in all grade levels, to enter
“I did not expect to win at all,” Rigsby said. “I
T O P Junior Graham Rigsby ’s PTA Reflections contest-winning photograph.
“In my submission, I said that I wanted to travel more,” Rigsby said. “I’m hopeful because
lancer
minute
A vid e o s e r ie s h ig h lig h tin g p h o to s f ro m g a l l e r i e s a n d re c ap p in g re c e n t e ve n t s
in the contest.
knew I was going up against a lot of other people
“It’s really good to see reflections [entries],
who are really into photography, so it was pretty
especially in younger grades,” Rigsby said. “So
unexpected that I won.”
it’s nice that it’s getting such a young audience
When Rigsby heard this year’s prompt, “I am
THE
through my mom.”
HANGING UP LUNAR NEW YEAR POSTER
Hopeful Because...” he immediately thought of a
FIRST BLACK QUEER HISTORICAL ARCHIVE OPENS IN KC NEXT MONTH KANSAS CITY’S FIRST Black queer historical archive is opening on
Students in art teacher Adam Finkelston’s AP, IB and art portfolio
March 1. The project called {B/qKC} is an online database compiled by
classes visited the Charlotte Street Foundation last month to view the
local community organizer Nasir Montalvo and consists of longform
exhibit. IB art student and senior Abi Limbird says that she appreciated
articles, documents and other primary source materials relating to Black
seeing the archive materials and watching a video in the gallery to learn
queer history in Kansas City.
about local Black queer history.
“What’s important to me with the archive is to center stories and
“It definitely was intriguing and I learned a lot from the exhibit,”
people,” Montalvo said. “What I want to do is storytelling in a way
Limbird said. “I didn’t know about the rich culture and history of Black
that’s beautiful and intentional. If I can find ways to make the histories
pageantry in KC so that was an eye-opening experience.”
accessible while the people who have ‘donated’ to the archive get to keep their material, that’s what I want to do.”
Many of these physical exhibits will also be available to view in the
MR. CANSAS CANDIDATES WERE RELEASED
coming months at local cafes, bookstores and other arts organizations.
In addition to the online archive, Montalvo has been displaying some
“I hope that by widely sharing the [stories] of Black queer Kansas
of these materials in exhibition spaces around the city for the past year
Citians and what they’ve gone through, we can better understand how
as part of the project. One of these showings was in conjunction with
we need to organize as a city in order to support Black queer folk and
the “Miss/They Camaraderie” exhibit at the Charlotte Street Foundation
honestly, Kansas City overall,” Montalvo said.
addressing Black queer history in beauty pageantry.
THE SHARE BLOOD DRIVE ON FEB. 17 SUPPORTED THE RED CROSS
SHARE HOSTED THEIR annual blood drive on Saturday, Feb. 17 to aid
project, which consisted of a short, 7-question questionnaire and a cheek
the statewide emergency blood shortage.
swab to match potential donors over 18 with patients in need.
The American Red Cross declared a blood shortage emergency for Kansas in January, with the lowest amount of donations in 20 years. The
“It’s a very simple process,” Peters said. “It’s just a table [at the blood drive] and it takes 10 minutes to sign up. It makes a huge difference.”
standard for blood banks is to keep enough blood for three days. According
SHARE sponsors Erin Billingsley and Sheryl Kaplan are glad community
to SHARE chair and senior Eve Benditt, they are struggling to keep a one-
members are taking the first steps toward potentially saving a life through
day supply due to a lack of donations.
the blood drive and bone marrow donation. Billingsley says that once
“[Donating blood] is so much less scary than people think,” Benditt
someone donates, they’re more likely to be a future donor.
said. “We’re at a critical low of blood right now. So if you’ve never
“Once you get started, it becomes a habit and it’s not so scary anymore,”
donated, now is the perfect time because this problem is worse than it’s
Billingsley said. “It’s important to get kids interested in donating blood
ever been.”
because it’s something you can do from the age of 16 on. Hosting it at
For the first time in four years, there was also a table to register for bone marrow donation. SHARE chair and junior Clara Peters led this
school is a nice introduction for students to be able to see that they can do it, and it’s something that really makes a difference.”
DRINK FROM COFFEE SHOP’S NEW VALENTINE MENU
SCAN ME VIDEO Visit Instagram Reels to hear staffer Emma Krause discuss these events and see more photos
s tor y by ave ry anders o n
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 | 0 5
THE HARBINGER
d e si g n by jul i a camp bell p h o to s by mol l y mi l ler
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Ch i n e s e C lu b’s Lu n ar Ne w Ye ar c e l e b rati o n too k p l a ce f o r t he f i rst t i m e si nce COV I D o n Feb. 1 5
AFTER
annual
“We usually do meetings according to
Lunar New Year celebration due to COVID,
CANCELING
THE
different Chinese holidays,” Kloster said.
After canceling the annual Lunar New Year
“Earlier this year, our first meeting was
Students in the club also performed a lion
celebration due to COVID, Chinese Club
about the Mid-Autumn Festival where we had
dance and fan dance as further entertainment
hosted their first full celebration since 2020
traditional stuff like Chinese moon cakes.”
for attendees — both traditional dances
Their Lunar New Year celebration is the
on Feb. 15 in the cafeteria.
explain them as well as give out classic Chinese fortunes.
performed around Lunar New Year in China.
Chinese
biggest event of the year for Chinese club due
“Me and Finn Kloster are [reciting] a
teacher and club sponsor Hau-In Lau and other
to the historically large turnout. Keeping with
poem,” Chinese 3 student and junior Avery
members of the club pulled together a variety
the trend, they planned their celebration just
Williams said. “The poem is in Chinese.
of activities, decorations, food, games and
five days after the real holiday on Feb. 10 and
There’s going to be two poems, the one that
speakers to entertain and educate students
followed the layout of previous celebrations to
Finn and I are doing and the one that James
who attended the celebration, according to
ensure its success.
Quance is doing.”
Through
extensive
planning,
“It’s gonna be pretty similar [to the
Chinese Club secretary Finn Kloster.
To promote the revival of the celebration,
“Mrs. Lau [has been] super excited about
celebration before COVID],” Kloster said.
members
it,” Kloster said. “We started planning right
“There’s going to be a lot of people speaking
advertising the party as well as marketing it
when the semester began.”
and the same activities and we’re still going to
by word of mouth.
At each meeting, the club strives to teach attendees about various Chinese holidays
have the same food.”
of
the
club
put
up
WANT TO FIND YOUR CHINESE ZODIAC ANIMAL? SCAN THE QR
10%
OF EAST STUDENTS CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR *according to a poll of 117 students
posters
“We’ve been inviting people for a while and
With 2024 designated as the year of the
and incorporate traditional food such as
dragon,
dumplings along with activities like giving out
centered around dragons.
decorations
and
activities
were
I think I’ve managed to get a lot of people from our classes and clubs [to come],” Kloster said. Members of the club hope to make this
fortunes into the itinerary. They work to make
In addition to Lau talking about her
celebration
knowledge about Chinese culture accessible
experiences with the holiday and her personal
students will look forward to, according to
an
annual
event
again
that
to everyone at East, according to Kloster.
connections to it, other speakers were also
Kloster.
brought in to read poems in Chinese and
The M u l t i c u l t u ra l S t u d e n t Unio n i s c u r re n t l y w o r k i n g on a B l a c k H i s to r y Mo n t h displa y to e d u c a te s t u d e n t s and ce le b ra te t h e m o n th OVER THE PAST few
BLACK HISTORY MONTH BOARD the
movement and people who have been
message to other parts of the school as
Multicultural Student Union has been
protesting for civil rights,” MSU president
well. Posters with quotes from different
planning and creating a billboard design
and senior John Mendy said.
inspirational figures can be found in
weeks,
for the fourth floor to celebrate Black
Pictures of the featured students and
History Month during seminar and in
influential figures will be accompanied
their free time.
by a short description of why they’re
we’re planning on moving throughout
places like the front office. “[This
is
more]
preliminary
but
decided
important to black history and any other
the school and putting up decorations,”
to mirror last year’s design — which
important facts or moments in their
Mendy said.
featured prominent black leaders and
life. They hope to keep them short but
important figures in Black history — but
informational, according to Mendy.
This
year,
members
have
Planning for the billboard began at the end of January and is set to be finished
with some slight alterations. The design
“We have some icons like Martin
mid-February, in time for students to
hopes to incorporate students from each
Luther King [and] Rosa Parks but we also
observe and learn from it during Black
grade level who’ve worked to promote
wanted to educate people [so we included
History
inclusivity at East.
others like] Coretta King, who was Martin
Despite the loss of the actual bulletin
Month
according
to
Mendy.
some
Luther’s wife,” Mendy said. “We also had
board during the painting of the fourth
of the Black students from East from
Stokely Carmichael, W.E.B. Dubois, who
floor, the Black History Month display
each class and then a couple of iconic
founded the NAACP, Claudette Colvin and
will still most likely be put up in the
historical figures as well as some lesser
then Tommie Smith and John Carlos.”
fourth floor hallway by the counselors’
“We’re
going
to
represent
known unsung heroes of the civil rights
During
this
planning,
the
T H E D I S P L A Y F E A T U R E S information about Tet, Vietnamese New Year, as well as Chinese New Year.
union
brainstormed the idea of spreading the
offices.
S T U D E N T S I N T H E Multicultural Student Union collatheborated to cut out each dragon scale by hand in celebration of the year of the dragon. Lucky red “Li Xi” envelopes are taped on the sides as a traditional gift from elders to children.
06 | FEBRUARY 20, 2024
THE HARBINGER
story b y l i bby marsh
d e s ig n b y mi c h a e l y i a r t b y grey s o n i mm
CL CKING IN BURNING OUT
A recent rise in child labor law violations impact s student and harms school per formance
REGULATIONS K a n s a s law s o n w o r k i n g h o u rs re stri ct i o n s f o r m i n o rs
S
TUDENTS HAVE FELT the effects of local restaurants
“Sometimes I just gave up on doing homework because I
workers, aligning with national trends of increasing
was so exhausted from work and I would be late [to school] a
child labor law violations in the past year.
bunch because it would be so hard waking up in the morning,”
According to the US Department of Labor, United States
WORKERS
businesses saw a 14% increase in child labor violations in 2023.
Work more than
Start work before
labor in order to meet demands because there are not enough
on a school day Work more than
or end work after
UNDER 16 CAN’T:
3 HOURS
18 HOURS
on a school week
7 a.m.
10 p.m.
the night before a school day
REALITY
R e sult s f ro m s urv e y s o f E a s t studen t s a n d te a c h e rs
37% of students reported being forced to work hours
LONGER THAN LEGALLY PERMITTED *according to an Instagram poll of 158 respondees
92%
of teachers believed these excessive hours
AFFECTED THEIR STUDENT’S PERFORMANCE *according to an Google Form survey of 20 teachers
week because it was so hard to wake up in the morning.
and fast food businesses taking advantage of teen
Kansas Senator Ethan Corson believes that this recent rise in violations is due to the lack of workers in the service industry and acknowledges its local effects. “Folks are resorting to hiring, essentially, child or minor workers,” Corson said. “That is something that we as a state have been grappling with, and I know it’s somewhat nationwide. It is just the challenge of having enough workers to meet demand.” The current national labor laws state that 14 and 15-yearolds cannot work more than three hours on a school night and eight hours on the weekends. Despite this, in an Instagram poll of 158 people, 37% responded that they had been forced to work
“
hours exceeding the legal limits.
FOLKS ARE
resorting to hiring, essentially, child or minor labor in order to meet demands because there are not enough workers. ETH AN CORSON
KANSAS SENATOR
Ovitt said. And this demanding — not to mention illegal — work schedule wasn’t by choice. “[My managers] told me I could only work from either 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and so I was expecting that
“
but they ended up having me close and I couldn’t get out of it,”
SOMETIMES I JUST gave
up on doing homework because I was so exhausted from work and I would be late [to school] a bunch.
RUBY OV I T T SOPHOMORE
Ovitt said. “When I asked they never did anything about it.” Sophomore Julie Miller* has had similar experiences working
at a local business for four and a half hours on school nights as a 15-year-old. “Obviously,
teenagers
need
decent
hours
of
sleep,”
Miller said. “It’s hard to go to a full day of school and then immediately go to work. Adults just go to work during the day, which I understand but, [students] have a full day and we’re still growing and developing.” Miller attributes the rise in violations to the fact that many students, including her, don’t know the labor laws.
Twenty-three of the 25 teachers responded to a Google form
“I wasn’t really educated on the actual laws and so I had no
poll saying that they know of students who work more than
idea that you can’t work a certain amount of hours,” Miller.
three hours on a school day with 22 of them believing that these
“It’s the fact that people aren’t educated on [the laws]. I don’t
excessive hours affect school performance.
think they are really enforced.”
“Many students and their families along with the student’s bosses are aware of the labor laws,” one teacher wrote in
Despite these issues, there’s no movement in the legislature to prevent child labor law violations, according to Corson.
response to the poll. “It is a choice that they accept typically
Social Studies teacher Benjamin Hendricks has students that
once they begin receiving a paycheck until they cannot keep up
arrive to class late because of work. Some even end up falling
with school work.”
asleep during lessons. He believes the way to solve this is for
Sophomore Ruby Ovitt worked at Chick-fil-A starting at the
more resources to be put to investigate labor law violations.
beginning of this school year but quit in early December. Ovitt
However this raises the question of whether it’s worth it for
was 15 years old and working eight-hour shifts immediately
governments to spend more money on enforcing labor laws as
after school.
funds would be diverted from other programs.
“I would bring my work clothes to school and then right after school, I would rush to work and change in the bathroom,” Ovitt said. “I’d stay there sometimes until 11:30 [p.m.]” Ovitt struggled to complete homework on time because of these late shifts and she was often tardy to class at least once a
Hendricks ultimately believes that it’s the role of the students to stand up for themselves. “Students need to honestly assess whether or not it’s affecting their performance and speak up [and say] ‘Hey, I can only work 18 hours,’” Hendricks said.
stor y by mya smith
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 | 07
THE HARBINGER
d e si g n by l ucy st ephens p h o to s by cl ara pet ers
E
OUTSIDE THE LINES
S t udent s c ont inue to fac e issue s in t he parking lot due to la c k of s pa c e s a nd s till rec eiv e pa rking tic ket s
AST
STUDENTS
frustrated
with
HAVE the
According
become
increase
to
Barikmo,
the
best
case
scenario would be if East was able to build a
of
parking garage.
traffic and ticketing and the lack of
wake up early and you got to get to school
school is designed very poorly,” Lorenz said.
early.”
“They added a bunch of islands and took out
Senior Connor Bykowski, the head of the parliamentary committee — the board that
There’s been a recent increase in tickets
spots” Barikmo said “I’d love to build a
decides whether or not to approve the appeal
after administrators started checking the
parking garage because we’d have the ability
of the tickets — encourages students to
parking lot weekly or more according to
then to serve the amount of students that
contact the committee if they are struggling
Associate
need parking spaces.”
with tickets.
Principal
Kristoffer
Barikmo.
This has been especially prevalent among sophomores who use the lot off of 75th Street. Barikmo walks around the parking lot at least once a week to make sure all of the students are parked in their approved spots. However, students parking without a permit
63
has been an issue at East for years, according to Barikmo.
Senior
All students have the right to appeal their
%
ticket if they received one. In order to appeal
OF STUDENTS HAVE HAD N E G AT I V E E X P E R I E N C E S PA R K I N G , A C C O R D I N G T O A POLL OF 165 STUDENTS
Ayden
Beveridge-Calvin
parking. They made it so much harder to get
“
“I would love to be able to add more
parking during second semester.
you can either email Bykowski or scan a QR code that takes you to the appeal form after you submit the form you get an email
specifying the date/and time of the meeting.
also
“If you receive a parking ticket and believe
thinks that the parking system is flawed
that there is a valid reason you should not
out of the parking lot.”
TO PEOPLE
that are freshmen or sophomores, if you plan to drive to school, you’re doing that knowing that we can never guarantee you a place to park on or near campus. KRIS TOFFER BARIKMO ASSOCIAT E PRINCIPAL
“[Parking has] always been a significant
since he wasn’t able to purchase a permit
be fined, then you should appeal,” Bykowksi
problem,” Barikmo said. “We’ve got 575
as an upperclassman because the school ran
said.“I cannot guarantee that the appeal will
South’s issues can’t be solved with policy,
parking spots and we’ve got far more than
out even though there were still spots open
go anywhere as the staff is very important to
but East senior Ayden Beveridge-Calvin has
575 people that have the ability to drive to
because he got his license in November and
the school and making sure that they have
ideas about how the East lot could improve,
school. So we’ll always have a major parking
was late to apply.
parking is very important to both the student
including more exits added to prevent traffic.
court, the administration and the student
Ideally, these exits would be by the Mission
body,”
road entrance/exit, making the entrance and
“I just had to park illegally when I was
issue on campus.” According to sophomore Christian Shaw,
a junior because there were no spots and
sophomores are parking in the reserved
[administration] wouldn’t sell me a pass
According to Bykowski, one of the most
parking lots which causes a domino effect
even though there were 20 spots open at all
common reasons students appeal tickets is
of students with parking permits not finding
times,” Beveridge-Calvin said.
when they drive another vehicle that is not
Barikmo says that due to the limited
spots that are supposed to be guaranteed. Shaw got a ticket for parking in the junior
number of spots, receiving a parking pass is
lot after being late to school and not being
for upperclassmen only because they are top
able to find a spot in the sophomore lot.
priority.
Shaw hopes that sophomores will be able to purchase passes next year.
“To
theirs and receive a ticket because they don’t have a pass. East isn’t alone with parking issues as students at Shawnee Mission South
people
that
are
freshmen
or
complain
about
their
system
well. South senior Kara Lorenz
“I had to park there because I was 15
you’re doing that knowing that we can never
says their issues are more about
minutes late after I slid out on ice and
guarantee you a place to park on or near
the design of the parking lot.
stopped on a hill,” Shaw said.
campus,” Barikmo said. “You [have] got to
TICKET APPEALS
In fo rma t i o n re g a rdin g p a r k in g t ic ke t ap p ea l s IF YOU HAVE RECENLY RECIVED A PARKING TICKET, HAVE YOU APPEALED/ TRIED TO APPEAL YOUR TICKET * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 9 1 v o t e s
YES NO
11%
89%
as
sophomores, if you plan to drive to school,
“The
parking
lot
at
IF YOU GET A
my
parking ticket for parking somewhere in the lot and you feel like it’s a wrongful ticket and you don’t deserve it, then you have the right to CONNOR BYKOWSKI appeal to the appeal board. SENIOR
exit two separate points.
Opinion
09 | FEBRUARY 20, 2024
smeharbinger.net/opinion
d e s ig n b y i s a b e l b a l d a s s a ro a r t b y h a l l i e o’b r ya n a n d z a n e l a i n g
hot take
sto r y b y c l a ra p e t e rs
COMIC STRIP a r t b y zane laing
The Sup er B o w l hal ft i m e p er fo rma nc e wa s me dioc re c ompa re d to pre v iou s ye a rs
W ill p e o p le e v en n e e d a re as o n to l e ave th e ho use so o n?
AS THE FIRST HALF of the Super Bowl game
show as she and Usher performed “If I Ain’t Got
dragged on, I was eager for the parts of the
You,” but I wish she’d been in the show for at least
game I actually look forward to: commercials
one more song. Looking back on the 2023 Super
and the anticipated Halftime Show. But to my
Bowl Halftime performed by Rihanna, it feels like
disappointment,
I remember more of her iconic performance than I
Usher’s
performance
didn’t
do of Usher’s, which was just a week ago.
provide any of the relief I required.
Thanks for the Apple Vision Pro!
Usher performed 13 songs, only 3 of which I
Usher’s performance as a whole was impressive,
would consider sing-alongs. The only parts left for
but it didn’t make an impression on me as
me to enjoy during his 10 lesser known songs were
previous shows have. Usher really does have some
the visuals and choreography. The backup dancers
classic songs, like “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” and
wore outfits of all styles, ranging from magicians
“Somebody to Love,” but neither were played at
to sparkly jackets to dancers with feather fans
his show. I’d love to know who organized this
and roller skates. The variety of outfits was
show and decided to leave out his most beloved
entertaining at first, but I quickly lost interest as
songs. I was hoping for more with Usher’s Halftime
he played one unpopular song after the next. His
show and I wish his entire performance would’ve
set list of “Confessions Part II” and “U Got It Bad”
matched the energy of the show’s last two songs
had me impatiently tapping my knee and waiting
“Turn Down for What” and “Yeah!” I might even be
for the real football to resume — something I’m
walking away from it more impressed if his whole
not typically waiting for.
show had brought the energy level I expected going
Alicia Keys contributed some interest to the
this or that?
R ec en t In s ta g ram polls related to storie s i n t h is is s u e’s opinion section
trending topics
into it.
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 tre nd i ng to p i c s i n m e d i a
DO YOU READ EVERYDAY? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 62 v o t e s
34%
YES NO
66%
HAVE YOU SEEN AN AERIAL PERFORMANCE?
instagram reels
* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 7 9 v o t e s
YES NO
DO YOU WATCH INSTAGRAM REELS MORE THAN TIKTOK?
39% 61%
T h e f e a t u re i s s i m i l a r t o T i k To k , a n d s o m e s t u d e n t s a re b e g i n n i n g t o u s e R e e l s t o w a t c h s h o r t v i d e o s i n s t e a d o f T i k To k .
* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 6 6 v o t e s
52%
YES
48%
NO
TAKE OUR POLLS Follow the Harbinger on social media to participate in our polls @smeharbinger
@smeharbinger
@smeharbie
@smeharbingerr
DID YOU ATTEND A GALENTINES PARTY THIS YEAR?
galentines parties
S o m e f r i e n d g ro u p s h o s t e d " g a l e n t i n e s " d a y parties instead of going out to dinner with a s i g n i f i c a n t o t h e r.
* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 24 v o t e s
YES NO
44%
56%
s to r y by l orel e i g al le s d e si g n by g reyson i mm p h o to s by l i v madden
UP IN THE AIR THE HARBINGER
I
pe rse v e ra nc e
’VE ALWAYS BEEN a quitter. Ever since I was young I’d quit anything
enough for soccer, I began aerial classes at
to watch added way more stress. Since I
I wasn’t immediately perfect at. I’ve
Kansas City Aerial Arts at 11 years old. If a
auditioned two months after starting, I
quit cheer, dance and soccer because
professional at the art believed in me, it felt
didn’t have a lot of experience, but the
like it was at least worth a shot.
judges immediately noticed my potential
a studio in a grocery store as a 7-year old until my most recent big performance at Municipal arena with more than 8,000
and put me in the company.
lyra
From the moment I got scouted to join
Just the aspect of being on a team made me so proud and I felt a sense of
c i rc u l a r a p p a ra t u s h u n g f ro m t h e ceiling on which aerial artists perform skills on
belonging. This helped motivate me even more to continue gaining strength and aerial curriculum.
people watching, learning aerial skills —
The first move I learned was a crossback
I began to perform at parties and shows
transforming me from a quitter
straddle on the silks. It’s a move taught
locally, even choreographing my own acts. It
into someone who is tenacious
in the beginner class where you cross the
was scary but the more I practiced, I became
in all aspects of my life.
silks behind your back and do a straddle
less nervous to plan out sequences of moves
Doing the splits 20 feet above
upside down. While the blood was rushing
for hundreds of viewers. A skill I’ve learned
the ground on aerial fabrics and
to my head from the upside down position,
to apply to presentations in school and
dropping gracefully on the lyra
I noticed I had a feeling of success that I
public speaking.
hoop are tricks that only take
hadn’t ever felt with any other sport.
has
taught
me
perseverance
I’m
constantly
closing
my
eyes
and
seconds to perform but have
It’s a fairly easy skill, but the feeling of
picturing all the hard skills I might be able
taken me years of practice and
doing something so pretty after only a few
to do one day if I just keep trying. This has
stretching to perfect.
minutes of practice was unmatched. That’s
made me realize that even when aerial gets
the beauty of aerial: with practice you’ll
hard, I love it too much to quit.
The first time I heard about aerial arts was in the
improve
checkout aisle of Trader
move you’re trying to get.
and
eventually
accomplish
the
At my first public performance at East’s 2019 Prom, I felt butterflies churning in my
Joes, when a professional
Sure, I definitely started because of how
stomach and my heart thumping against
aerialist told my mom
easy it came to me physically but that isn’t
my chest. Despite this, I was still able to
that I would be a great
what I’ve come to love about it. Something
perform due to the time I’d spent preparing.
fit for the art after she
great about aerial is even the most simple
I was scared but I knew with the amount of
spotted
move can be beautiful to look at.
hours I’d spent working on my act I couldn’t
me
holding
on to the shopping
As I got older I soon found out that along
give up. As the crowd applauded my chest
cart in a backbend.
with the easy skills, there are also extremely
stand and pinwheels, I was happy that I
Since I was only
difficult moves like meathooks, which take
hadn’t quit.
my
mom
hours of practice to master. A meathook
decided
we
is when you shift all your body weight to
a Sunday afternoon learning how to do a
wait
one side, and hold yourself with one arm
tricky lyra move isn’t directly life-changing
enroll
upside down — no easy feat. I found myself
but I’ve applied my aerial attitude to other aspects of my life: difficult math problems, social situations and even my job.
7,
should to
Sure, maybe spending three hours on
me
until
I
frustrated when I realized the position my
was
older.
All
body was in was wrong. What kept me going
think
through hard moments like these was my
When things get hard, I think to myself,
about is how I
love for aerial and my newfound drive to
“If this was aerial Lorelei, she would keep
might
succeed.
trying.”
I
could
finally
find my hobby. Despite
AERIAL BAG?
designed using Playbills from Lorelei’s instructor’s performances, this is where she keeps her sequence notes and act ideas
develops a sense of
fact that the other people auditioning had
until I started doing aerial arts.
NOTEBOOK
as an aerial ar tist
being a natural at dance or determined
I felt like I wasn’t good enough. That was,
WHAT’S IN MY
Tra ining a nd pe r forming
not
After two months, I joined the training company
—
a
company
for
completely from thinking of myself as a
looking for performance opportunities. To
quitter to someone who doesn’t give up
join you have to audition with a minute-
when things get hard.
long sequence and go through a number of strength and flexibility tests. I performed a minute-long contortion
LEG WARMERS to keep certain parts of her body warm while doing strength and flexibility work
This motto has changed my mindset
students
sequence in front of all the other people
So to my fellow aerialists, but also those who prefer to stay on the ground: I hope you always remember the importance of a positive mindset and perseverance.
auditioning as well as the judges. The
KT TAPE for when her wrists need extra reinforcement due to the impact of aerial silks
STRETCHIING BAND stretches out her shoulders during warm ups to prevent injury
OPINION
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 | 11
B E L O W The board shows the lesson plan for each class throughout the week. “It’s almost like a community board where we can draw ideas on it,” sophomore Lorelei Galles said. photo by liv madden
L E F T Galles back-balances on the sling during her aerial practice. photo by liv madden
A B O V E Galles begins her practice by hanging in the scorpion position on the lyra hoop. photo by liv madden
M I D D L E This wall has all the different silks they use for classes. They recently switched from boxes to keep things more organized. photo by liv madden A B O V E Galles practices at the K ansas City Aerial Arts studio at 5001 W 117th St, Leawood, K ansas. photo by liv madden
SCAN ME GALLERY View and buy more photos from Galles’s aerial arts practice at smeharbinger.net
12 | FEBRUARY 20, 2024
story b y ada l i l l i e wo r th i n g t o n
THE HARBINGER
d e s ig n b y ave ry a n d e rs o n p h o to s b y l y l a we e ks
NEW YEAR’S READING K eeping up with New Year’s
re solutions has proven to increase p ro d uct i vi t y and hap p i ne ss
1
2
KEEP IT UP! Make a schedule that incorporates your goal into your day
S
H Ha< g ΅ LEGGED in my bed on Dec. 29, 2023, I opened up a new note in my
Notes app and titled it “2024 New Year’s Resolutions.” I clicked the bullet point button and started writing goals like I do every year, starting with the most daunting one: “Read everyday” I strived to relive
TO READ:
Bo o k s a n d b o o k s e r i e s A d a L i l l i e hope s to rea d t h i s ye a r
BETTER THAN THE MOVIES B y Lynn Pai nter
my bookworm days of binge reading the “Cam Jansen” books from elementary school, but I had no faith my high school self would be able to complete such a feat considering the only books I read last year were assigned by my English teachers. Still, against my will, on Jan. 1 I picked up the book my mom gave
CHECK & MATE B y A li Haze l wood
me for Christmas — “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, and turned to page 1. After the first few days of squeezing in 15 minutes to
THE INHERITANCE GAMES B y Lynn B arne s SHADOW AND BONE B y Le igh Bardu go
read here and there, I couldn’t help but think this resolution would end up like my past resolutions
of
working
out
everyday or keeping my room clean that had only lasted one week due to my short-term attention span. But reading is different. One week turned into two and then
3
Three strategie s for maintaining your new years re s ol ut i on s Do your resolution with a friend and keep each other accountable
three, and I kept it up.
Reward yourself for completing it each day
assigned reading until the last minute,
The constant repetition of reading
but with my new habit of reading
helped rekindle my love of books from
every day, I’ve been able to keep up
earlier in my youth. This routine not
with each assigned chapter without a
only made me feel studious, but it
problem.
increased my motivation and helped cure my procrastination.
Unlike the rest of my classmates, my smile didn’t immediately disappear
I’ve now read for 41 days straight
when my teacher assigned six chapters
and have finished five books off of my
to
personal shelf.
I didn’t feel the need to avoid eye
read
over
Superbowl
weekend.
Since developing my routine of
contact with my teacher or silently
reading before I turn out my lights
pray to not be called on during the
every night, I’ve found that I’m more
class discussion.
eager to get my homework done.
This confidence boost in and out
If I don’t doom-scroll on Instagram for
two
hours
and
actually
of the classroom has started my year
finish
off with actual progress, making me
my lengthy calculus homework, my
think: Maybe New Year’s resolutions
reward is reading 30 pages of “Five
do work.
Feet Apart.” If I give in to my bad
So if you’re looking to kick your
habit, I only get to read 10 pages. If I
procrastination habit, I have the best
told my sophomore self that I have the
piece of advice: pick up a book.
time and energy to read everyday and
I know reading isn’t exactly like
actually use it as a reward for myself,
binging your favorite TV show but after
she’d call the police for identity theft.
some practice, binging a TV show can
This action and reward system has
feel almost the exact same as getting
trained my brain to come home from
lost in a book — only you get smarter
school every day and buckle down to
while you do it.
complete all my homework so I can
You can even use your favorite TV
stretch out and end my day with my
shows as a way to find what genre
favorite
would suit your fancy. “Bridgerton?”
books
about
romance
and
fantasy.
Pick up a book from the romance
In addition, I feel actual happiness while
reading
the
adventures
of
Hazel and Gus from “The Fault in
section. “The Vampire Diaries?” Pick up a book from the fantasy section. Your
4th
grade
library
teacher
Our Stars.” A drastic shift from my
wasn’t lying when she said there are
previous deadpan face while watching
endless possibilities when it comes
get-ready-with-me videos.
to books. It’s not too late to add
I’ve even started to like my English class-assigned
books,
like
“Just
Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson. Normally, I’d wait to cram in the
to your New Year’s resolutions and join me in limitless productivity and entertainment.
de s ign by soph i a broc km ei er photos by ma g gie con d o n , caroline mar tucci, kat i e cook & a l ex s a jna
smeharbinger.net/category/feature
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 | 13
Feature
THIS ISSUE I N
photos
ANYTHING BUT
BORED
S tudent s who have unique hobbie s
KARA PARRETT | SOPHOMORE
A look inside student life at East in the past two weeks of school
“
I’M AN EAGLE Scout and work at a Boy Scout summer camp. I love the people and leading and teaching [younger kids]. I was the perfect age when they let girls into [Boy Scouts], and I feel like there’s always a place for somebody.
CHARLIE JOHNSON | JUNIOR
T O P Sophomore Shubra Durgavathi pours sodium nitrate into a spot plate as sophomore Ishaan Home observes. Honors chemistry did a lab related to precipitation on Feb. 1. photo by caroline martucci
REVEALING
THE
UNTOLD Students share which individual they believe should have more coverage during Black History Month
B O T T O M K ansas City International Academy organization chair sophomore Luke Taylor packs a gift bag to go to KCIA for a Valentine’s Day event at KCIA. photo by alex sajna
J O W I L SO N -H EAD J U NIO R
“
MARSHA P. JOHNSON was a black trans woman that fought for gay liberation. As a queer person it’s really inspirational to see others stand up and be so brave at a dangerous time.
T O P Teacher Andrew Sandoy hands out an egg to junior Elizabeth Starr to prepare for part one of her Egg Drop Lab. photo by maggie condon
TAY LO R KING S E NIO R
“
BESSIE COLEMAN WAS the first black pilot and it shows that even when it’s probably not popular in the crowd it’s still important to do things you love.
“
I WAS SCROLLING through my Instagram feed and I saw this giant new Lego set that’s coming out and I was like ‘I need to get that like that.’ I spent three days building and ever since then it’s been like an addiction.
bessie coleman
first woman of African American and Native American descent to earn her pilot’s license in the U.S. Known for performing flying tricks, Coleman’s nickname was “Brave Bessie”
*according to National Women’s History Museum
THE HARBINGER
s to r y by addi e moo re d e si g n by kati e murphy
donut in
p h o to s by r i l ey scott
remark fr
was, The
Student C
him every
Althou
as a teach
along wit
Appier’s d
where ev
to weeken
he’s alwa sarcastic
“His r
said. “Che to learn a
Appier to school. I
where you
fun at yo
answer yo
Appier
most adv
is extend
including
Che m i s t r y te a c h e r S te v e n A p p i e r re f l e c t s on the past 2 9 years at East
A
p e n d i ng hi s ret i rem ent t hi s May FTER EIGHT ROUNDS of math and science-related questions,
board] all year.”
APPI-ERA students scream-arguing over a game of
Appier has spent the last 29 years at
Whack-A-Mole
“We love doing the chant,” AP Chem 2
student and junior Kelsey Stroud said. “It
East building excitement around science in
“This chemistry program here, you don’t
really helps you get your anxiety out before
and out of the classroom and making the
find that everywhere you go,” Bardwell
a test, and [Appier] gets really hype for it.”
notoriously challenging subject of chemistry
said. “[People] probably don’t realize what
Between lectures during lunch, pancake
Before the winners were even announced,
fun for students. Now, he has three months
a big deal this program is here. [Appier]
breakfasts
in
Appier’s
the Nobel Gases shot up from their seats
left to make more goofy memories before
built that.”
mornings
and
an
and
he retires.
the announcers began awards. Third place... second place...
fir-
roared
with
pride
as
Chemistry
teacher Steven Appier triumphantly held a McDonald’s fry up in the air. They had just become the 2023 Trivia Night champions.
Twenty-five years ago, after making
room
intense
on
Friday
amount
of
homework, AP Chem 2 takes up a lot of free
“I hope that my time here has meant
fun of the AP Calculus chant students recite
something. And that I’ve given something
before every test, one of the AP Chemistry 2
“Even though it’s the hardest class I’ve
back to the East community because I’ve
students decided to collaborate with Appier
ever taken, he makes it enjoyable for all
gained a lot by being here,” Appier said.
on an original chant for his class.
the students because he cares about the
Bardwell
Now, at the beginning of each year,
concepts that he’s teaching and makes
McDonald’s before the competition and one
says the academic rigor of the chemistry
Appier passes out a green sheet of paper
it really engaging,” former AP Chem 2
fry was accidentally left on the table.
department is one of a kind — thanks to
with the chant — requiring all of his AP
student, former cadet teacher for Appier
“Someone said ‘Oh my god! We have
Appier. Appier gets students involved in
Chem 2 students to memorize and recite it
and senior Autumn Sun said.
to save that fry. It’s our good luck fry,’”
chemistry with constant after-school help
in the halls while banging on the lockers
Appier said. “Nina Yun wrapped it up in
and quirky activities like Mole Day — a
before every test.
paper and it’s been sitting [on the bulletin
celebration where AP Chem 2 students run
the
team
members
ate
teacher
Jerrod
around in mole costumes and Chemistry 1
A p p i e r h a s ta u g h t , h i s f a v o r i te exp e r i m e n t s to r u n a n d w h a t h i s form er s t u d ent s a re d o i n g n o w
CLASSES
HIS
Le a rn a bo u t w h at c l a s s e s
- AP CHEMISTRY 2 - BIOLOGY - PHYSICAL SCIENCE - METEOROLOGY
“Redox, acids, bases rule, chemistry is SUPER COOL!!”
EXPERIMENTS
- TITRATIONS - SPECTROSCOPIES - REACTION LABS - ISOTOPE STUDIES
One
Wednesday
morning
last
year,
senior and AP Chem 2 student Anna Thelen went into Appier’s room to ask a question about a test later that day, with a glazed
During
special ed
Schaff com
cart, he tu
computer
behind hi typically when he
him jump
“[He d
Appier sa
because if
and chang
After g
bump from
Schaff a w
backgroun
Last y
had to go
demonstr
comforted
to use th
amount o
in the ye self-degr
“Don’t ta which im
Althou
STUDENTS
to learnin
- GETTING PHD AT YALE - IN DISEASE RESEARCH AND SUSTAINABILITY - STUDYING QUANTUM MECHANICS
struggling
HIS
of
HIS
Some
Chemistry
time, according to Stroud.
science de
effort he
“At th
a long tim
remember
and he w stay here
...
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 | 15
NEWS -FEATURE
n hand. After a classic sarcastic
so much to me.”
“Chemistry is a very intimidating class,”
rom Appier asking where his donut
He brought the idea of a professional
Appier said. “And if it’s funny and if they
elen now steals a donut from her
learning community from a school he taught
enjoy the class, then they don’t notice as
Council meeting and delivers it to
at in California. The chemistry department
much how hard it is.”
y Wednesday morning.
was the first to adopt this idea where the
ugh Thelen doesn’t have Appier
teachers
have
similar
teaching
styles
Chem 2, Sun didn’t know what “Account for
same
schedule,
her this year, she still visits daily,
and
making
each of the following observations” meant.
th Stroud and Chemistry 1 students.
the experience with different teachers as
She resorted to listing the answer without
desk after school has become a space
similar as possible so a specific teacher
any background or evidence — causing
verything from empirical formulas
doesn’t make-or-break a student’s year.
Appier to create a key with certain question
nd gossip can be discussed — and
The
words made just for Sun.
ays armed with a funny comment or
Bardwell and Honors Chemistry teacher
advice.
follow
S ome of Appier’s recent teaching moment s
Last year, during the Unit 3 exam in AP
the
chemistry
PLC
“
consists
of
Appier,
Susan Hallstrom.
room is always so packed,” Thelen
emistry is maybe the hardest subject nd you can tell that the kids rely on
o further their understanding after feel like he has the environment
u can come in, and he might poke
ou a little bit, but he will actually
our questions.”
r doesn’t joke around with just his
vanced students — his charisma
ded to people all over the school,
g the friends he’s made outside the
epartment.
“I just misread a lot of things,” Sun said. “He would point it out in front of the whole
I HOPE THAT
my time here has meant something. And that I’ve given something back to the East community because I’ve gained a lot by being here. S TE V E N A PPI E R
class and be like ‘And for Autumn make sure you read this. Make sure you know this.’” Although some might see this as being taunting, Sun was able to dish it right back to Appier, telling him he’s supposed to be teaching her these things. Because of the challenge that comes with learning chemistry and the heavy workload, Appier will get angry emails from other teachers complaining about students doing
the workload, Appier sees the students’
“What we were able to do with Bardwell
ducation student and senior Patrick
and Hallstrom is maintain a level of rigor
ming down the hall with the coffee
and keep our program at the level that it was
“There are teachers who would kill to
urns his back to the door, shuts his
since it’s a constant battle for us,” Appier
be in a program like this,” Bardwell said.
r and waits for Schaff to come up
said. “And it’s nice to have the two of them
“Much less to build it.”
im and scare him. Though Appier
there on the same page.”
commitment to his class as a sign of the strength of the program.
Appier
has
made
sure
to
continue
pretends to be shocked, on days
Appier knows that every time he hears
teaching equilibrium and thermodynamics,
isn’t paying attention, Schaff can
footsteps coming out of the shared office
even as other Shawnee Mission High Schools
p out of his seat.
between his and Hallstrom’s classrooms
begin to water down the curriculum. Still, he
does scare me] from time to time,”
something is up. Hallstrom will walk to his
notes that the Honors Chemistry curriculum
aid. “And then I have to be careful
desk and start venting about her newest
today is the same as what the regular
f I have my MacBook open, he’ll try
Mole Day-related issue or will ask him to go
chemistry curriculum was 10 years ago and
ge the settings [on it].”
golfing with her.
wishes that would change.
getting a cup of coffee and a fist
In classic Appier fashion, every time
Even though students drop his classes,
m Schaff, Appier chuckles and calls
Hallstrom walks in during a class, he’s quick
he’s always proud to see former students
wizard every time he switches the
to joke and say “Nobody look but there’s a
succeeding — getting their Ph.D. at Yale
nd on his computer.
homeless person standing behind me” or if
in
year when junior Kelsey Stroud
a student asks him where Hallstrom is he
Einstein’s
o in after school to do the pipette
replies with “She’s probably sifting through
Mechanics.
ration lab for Chemistry 1, Appier
the trash can, she’ll eat anything.” in
this]
department,
environmental work
studies of
or
disproving
Quantum
“I believe that the people that will be we
most happy to see me go are the counselors,”
he tool to measure an accurate
spend a lot of our lives here in this building
Appier said. “Because the counselors are
working with kids,” Hallstrom said. “It’d
having to do extra work because of [the
ear that when they say something
probably be too much for me if we didn’t
amount of students] that drop chemistry.”
ading,
with
have the camaraderie that lets us do a little
As far as replacing Appier goes, Bardwell,
alk about my students like that”
friendly teasing and friendly competition to
Hallstrom and students express nervousness
mediately calms their self-doubt.
find some joy in our jobs.”
that the new teacher won’t have the same
responds
A B O V E Appier helps sophomore Kate Lucas light a Bunsen Burner during a Chemistry 1 lab. photo by addie moore
continuing
of solvent. His students learn early Appier
photo by addie moore
pressures from the administration to lighten
T E AC H E R
“[Teaching
A B O V E Appier tosses Hallstrom a roll of red label tape in the middle of talking through the homework answers from the day before.
chemistry homework in their classes. Amid
g third hour when Appier hears
d her as she cried over her inability
in his c u rre nt Che mistry c la sse s
ugh he can be strict when it comes
Bardwell and Appier have an equally close
ng, if a student is putting in the
relationship — spending their weekends
level of experience and skill. “I think that East is losing a very
jumps at the opportunity to help.
doing kayak races together and taking the
important teacher,” Sun said. “He’s one of
he beginning of this year I was
occasional lake trip.
the core pieces to the science department
g to take tests and I would take
According to Appier, the interactions
and I think that [they’re] going to have a
me [to finish it],” Stroud said. “I
between the teachers serve the purpose of
tough time to recover after he’s not there to
r I was the last one there doing it
eliminating some of the fear that comes
teach AP Chem [2] anymore.”
was like ‘Hey, take your time, just
with learning a subject like chemistry with
until you finish.’ And that meant
ionic nomenclature and buffer calculations.
A B O V E Appier is shocked how loud the sound of him slapping the yardstick against his desk. photo by addie moore
16 | FEBRUARY 20, 2024
story b y l u ke be i l
THE HARBINGER
d e s ig n b y l y l a we e k s p h o to s b y a l ex s a n j a
WATCHING
DAY IN THE LIFE AT
G RMIN
HIS FUTURE
A t ypical day in the life at Jolle s’s internship
S en ior L ia m J olle s i n te r n s a t t h e G a r m i n f a c i l i t y i n Ol at he in h ope s to p repa re f o r h i s f u tu re c a re e r i n techno l o gy
W
ALKING AROUND THE Country Club
said. “He contacted me every week as we
Plaza shopping with his friends, senior
trying to find out what the answer was so it really speaks
Liam Jolles heard his phone ringing.
to his diligence.”
Congratulations, we’re extremely happy to
offer you an internship here at Garmin. After waiting eight months to hear back from Garmin about an internship, he stopped in front of the Lululemon store and screamed “Let’s go!” at the top of his lungs.
w e r e
Liam is now four weeks into his six month internship. He works 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday — fitting perfectly with his reduced schedule since he doesn’t have a sixth or a seventh hour. So far Liam has toured the building and seen the four
Garmin is a big time tech company started out of KC
different parts of the company including the Marine,
that specializes in sports watches and activity trackers for
Outdoor, Fitness and Aviation. He also got the opportunity
a variety of different sports like running, golf, cycling and
to shadow the many different positions employees have,
swimming.
like team leaders of different departments and managers
Liam has always been good at math and problem solving since he was a child. Combining that with his interest in computer science will help him get a head start in the professional world and allow him to learn more about how computer science is used in a professional
“
LEAVE SCHOOL
gar•min Te c h n o l o g y c o m p a n y t h a t p ro d u c e s a c t i v i t y t ra c ke r s a n d s p o r t s w a t c h e s
setting according to Liam.
THERE’S JUST SO
many possibilities with an internship like this.
LIAM JO L L ES SENIOR
of product support. “We’ve had high up people in the company come and talk to the interns and the number one thing they told us to do was keep asking them questions,” Liam said. “So I’ve always got that in the back of my head.” Liam realizes how important it is for someone his age to be working at a cutting edge corporation like Garmin, which is why he’s eager to learn everything there is to know about being in the tech industry.
“I feel like it was just a perfect opportunity for me,”
“I think it’s such an important opportunity for him,”
Liam said. “I get to work at a major tech company gaining
Liam’s mom Michelle Jolles said. “There’s only four
experience I need for the field I want to go into while also
students who get the internship he has so when you get
seeing if I enjoy it or not.”
that opportunity to learn with a company like that in your
Getting the internship was no easy task. When he first
potential field it’s really good.”
learned about Garmin’s internship at a job fair at the
Still waiting to hear from computer science schools
Center of Academic Achievement in April 2023. He gave
like UC San Diego and Cal Berkley, Liam believes the
them his resume and they stayed in touch, with Jolles
internship will give him a leg up in the real world
completing several small interviews in person and over the phone this summer. However, Liam didn’t get a response on whether he got the internship for months. Liam didn’t let that stop him from getting an answer,
ARRIVE AT GARMIN AND SET COMPUTER UP
“I could possibly be hired as a full time employee at Garmin after the internship ends,” Liam said. “Or I could go to college and someday have a job in cyber security or software engineering. There’s just so many possibilities with an internship like this.”
as he constantly called and emailed Garmin waiting for a response. It wasn’t until September that Liam and real world learning counselor James Dusek got together with Garmin to see if they had any interest in Liam. “It’s definitely a testament to his dedication,” Dusek
SHADOW & LEARN ABOUT PRODUCTS
HAPPY HABITS
stor y by l ucy wolf
p h o to s co ur te s y of ke r r ie de an
PRINTING
PROCESS
Below a re f o u r o f Dean’s favorite
East alum K arrie Dean star ted Happy Habitat ,
blanke t s a n d t h e p roce ss she went
an eco-friendly blanket company, as an outlet
th rou g h to d e sig n ea c h o ne
PUZZLE
To design this blanket, Dean would move around little circles until it looked just right. She loves the simplicity of it.
fo r her creat i vi tit y
F
ROM DOODLING IN
coloring
to
classes
school,
United States due to the small distance. According to Karrie, if
had a knack for design. This hobby turned
the product is eco-friendly but
into a business when she started her own
is coming from halfway across
company — Happy Habitat.
the world, you’re defeating the
throughout
high
eco-friendly
blankets
that
Karrie
purpose because of the carbon emissions from planes. Sophomore Phoebe Kaneda admires her mom constantly
from her previous job in advertising. “I had a great [advertising] gig, I was
never seen before and is so proud of it.
chose
books as a child to taking art
started back in 2011 after getting laid off
up with this style of blanket that she has
specifically
East Alum Karrie Dean has always
knits
Dean worked with her knitters to come
she
manufacture the blankets in the
Happy Habitat is a company that hand-
TEXTURE
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 | 17
THE HARBINGER
de s i g n by cl ara burd ic k
working
on
Happy
Habitat
having fun and I worked at a really cool
and seeing the impact on the
place,” Karrie said. “I knew if I was going
community.
her blanket and realized she owned a Happy
to switch to something else, it needed to
“It’s weird because sometimes I’ll go to
be better, something really important and
someone’s house and I’ll realize they have a
special because we only live once.”
Happy Habitat blanket which is so funny,”
“
Karrie wanted to explore art in a less
Phoebe said.
traditional way, so she thought blankets would be a suitable creative medium.
At the time, Karrie was a new mom and
spent
lots
of
was
brainstorming
time
at
home.
She
possible
artistic
yet
functional products that she could create to
make people happy in their surroundings. Eventually Karrie landed on eco-friendly blankets. Before
realizing
blankets
were
her
BY LOOKING AT
with 14,000 followers.
Design Project Management class on Jan.
visual and tactile art pieces, Karrie knew
30 led by business teacher Jennifer Hair.
FELIX
they were the product she wanted to make.
Audience
“If you’re talking to a friend and you
sophomore Kara Parrett and junior Willa
throw them a blanket and they put it over
Cosgrove got to learn about what it takes
although its took her a year to design she
their lap, they instantly feel more at home,”
to start a business and hear about Karrie’s
Karrie said. “It’s like a cozy factor.”
company through a presentation.
members
like
sophomore
like
“She started off talking about East,
third-generation
college and getting a degree,” Parrett said.
sewing mill on the East coast and then
“Then she went through the fundamentals
manufactured. The eco-friendly blankets
of making her blankets, like using different
are made from pre-consumer fibers. When
color pallets and choosing the different
a shirt is made and they cut the shape, the
design work that’s going to be on them.”
to
a
scraps that fall to the floor are collected,
While sitting in the class and observing
color sorted and respun to make new yarns.
some of the blanket samples Karrie showed
While the
the
blankets
material is
that
important
into
during her presentation, Willa recognized
Karrie,
some of the designs and patterns. Later that
goes to
and
Even after being successful for 12 years, Karrie still worries about marketing and promotion
especially
with
the
increase
in cheap online products. Her Instagram account @happyhabitat sprung her business
“You really have to fight to be seen and if
with the dual function of the blankets, as
sent
fun
“The internet is jammed,” Karrie said.
SOPHOMORE
entrepreneuring knowledge to the Digital
Karrie,
really
comes out a lot. She seems like a very fun
KARA PARRET T
them on stationery and phone cases. But
by
is
the room,” Willa said. “By looking at the
person.”
Karrie presented Happy Habitat and her
The hand-stitched blankets are designed
blanket]
the blanket, I can see that [Dean’s] personality comes out a lot. She seems like a very fun person.”
a few of her own patterns and was putting
is really proud of how it turned out.
“[The
comfortable, and it’s a good accent in blanket I can see that [Karrie’s] personality
passion, Karrie had been experimenting with
This blanket is one of her favorites,
Habitat blanket.
day, Willa went home and checked the tag of
you’re not a player like Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn then you don’t get on the front of Google, unless you’re paying somebody to get that.” Karrie’s
biggest
takeaway
from
her
journey with Happy Habitat is that people need you as much as you need them. Stores are always looking for new products to stock their shelves with and blankets are always in demand, and she’s partnered with places like West Elm. “PR people need a story and magazines need to talk about eco-friendly business or eco-friendly textiles,” Karrie said. “So when people say, ‘Why will anyone care about this?’ it’s like, ‘No, people need you as much as you need them.’”
18 | FEBRUARY 20, 2024
THE HARBINGER
cop y b y l ar ki n br u n di ge
d e s ig n b y s o p h i a b ro c km e i e r p h o to s b y ke n n a h a rri n g t o n
SWANSON
S eni o r R ue S w anso n has a p assi o n f o r ar t and take s multiple ar t classe s at the same time
RECENT WORK
Prin t s t h a t R u e h a s m a d e i n h e r a r t clas s e s
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM TAKING SO MANY ART CLASSES? You can make pretty images but when CLASSES RUE you add a deeper purpose to it and HAS TAKEN: make those choices deliberately, not Painting just because it’s pretty, but because it means something to you, that AP Studio can elevate your work. Art 2D Mr. Fink is [always] saying the best art is art that you feel Art Portfolio you need to make.
WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHER PEOPLE TO LEARN FROM YOUR ART? I want them to walk away with something relatable. I want there to be something that you can see yourself in and you can apply it to something because I like it when I see art that I can see myself in, so hopefully there’s some relatability to it.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN PURSUING ART? It’s about how my dysfunctional childhood still affects me now. My fear is that I’ll either be abused again or an abuser. The poem continues that theme, the last line meaning I’m scared that I’ll find some kind of comfort in either situation.
Don’t think too hard about RUE’S TIPS FOR people’s opinions. I’m worried BEGINNERS: about how the people around Don’t think too me are gonna feel, but also hard about art you have to trust people’s opinions. Don’t push them off. Listen to what Don’t worry about they’re saying, critiques are so imother people’s portant. So a mixture of don’t listen opinions to people’s opinions, but also listen to them. You have to find that balance. Listen to
1
2 3 critiques
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Look out for these new releases coming to theaters
MOVIE PREMIERE ORDINARY ANGLES Release Date:
Feb. 23
Genre:
Drama
Running Time: 1 hr 56 mins
Starring:
Alan Ritchson, Hillary Swank, Amy Acker
MOVIE PREMIERE
BLACK-OWNED
Celebrate Black History Month by making a visit to these local black-owned restaurants
RUBY JEAN’S JUICERY
JUICERY AND SMOOTHIE RESTAURANT 301 E 51st St, Kansas City, MO 64112
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DUNE: PART TWO Release Date: Mar. 1
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Genre:
Action, Adventure
Running Time: 2 hrs 46 mins
Starring:
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UPCOMING
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I LIKED THE first [“Dune” movie] a lot and
I’m really looking forward to the second one mainly to see the actors perform again. ADDI HALL S O P H O M O R E
$25 PER TEAM SCAN ME REGISTER Scan the QR code to register for SME trivia night on Feb. 28.
FEB29 LEAP DAY MAR02 DRAKE CONCERT @T- MOBILE CENTER
FEB21
MR. CANSAS
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BRING TWO CANS TO GET INTO THE AUDITORIUM AND EXTRA TO VOTE FOR CANDIDATES
CANDIDATES INCLUDE:
MR. STUCO JACK KESSLER
MR. CHOIR SAM WILLIAMSON
MR. BASKETBALL ABDOULAYE KANTE
de s ign by ve ron i ca m angi ne
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 | 21
THE HARBINGER
p h o to s by ma so n s a jna
END ZONE AD ZONE
s to r y by co n n o r vo gel
to
INTRO
A re v i e w o f so m e o f t he co m m erci al s p l ay ed d ur i ng Sup er B owl LVIII
FOR ANY FOOTBALL haters, the most anticipated part of the Super
and networks alike — even in the age of streaming. While this year’s
Bowl each year isn’t the actual game — it’s the endless stream of
catalog of new oddball commercials may have been overshadowed by an
commercials in between plays.
overtime thriller and Chiefs victory, I decided to give my take on some of the best.
The Super Bowl holds the most coveted air time for advertisers
WORST OF ALL TIME
WHEN GETTING SETTLED into When getting settled into the couch in
“You can get shoes. And that’s it.”
preparation for the next six hours of football, I never imagined I would
How he was allowed to be on national television was a questionable
see Kanye West single handedly insult the entire marketing profession.
decision, and one that made fun of the hundreds of people who put
His $7 million ad — which he proudly announces cost $0 to actually
months of work into these commercials. This single handedly made me hate him more than I already do. But
produce — embodies a poor home video where he rambles incessantly
Yeezy
like a maniac about YEEZY.COM. Filmed on his phone camera and shaking the whole time, what his purpose for doing such a stupid thing cannot be comprehended by us mortals.
SUITS IS THE obsession binge everyone found four years after the show actually ended. When the hit series came to Netflix last summer, it felt like any other viral fad that would dwindle after a week or two, but I
confusion. When
I finally typed the address on google, I
was surprised to
learn the website was even real.
MOST STAR-STUDDED
companies beauty products.
They are accompanied by Judge Judy, because honestly who else could make it more over-the-top? Everyone had fun in a nostalgia-dependent ad that focused more on cameos than the
was wrong. Playing off of their success with a mock court between the
products —
the only response I get after watching it is
brand, barely even showing e.l.f.’s products.
show’s stars Ginna Torres and Rick Hoffman — who
Going into the Super Bowl, we had not one but two “Suits”
played Jessica Pearson and Louis Litt respectively
reunions to take advantage of people’s nostalgia. But, the e.l.f.
— highlight the advantages of cheap makeup. The
trial that had more in common with reality TV, than the original
two argue in e.l.f. court — which handles makeup
show.
related “cases” that, of course, are all their
I can say that they piqued my interest for their products in one of
defending their client with the benefits of the
several television reunions we saw during the game’s commercials that didn’t feel quite as cheesy as the others.
MOST SURPRISING
FOLLOWING AN UNDER-APPRECIATED campaign,
directors, in one of the most meta-ads of the event (sorry Deadpool)
CeraVe gave an ad to their “Creator” and actor Micheal
by making an ad for an ad about the ad. If that last sentence didn’t
Cera, who finally got the credit he deserved for a billion-dollar
CeraVe
e.l.f.
confuse you, congratulations.
product. After actually buying and handing out hundreds of bottles in
This was the only ad that took a swing at guerilla marketing, a
New York last week, this teaser finally shed light on some seriously
risky tactic in this fast-paced society where it can be scrolled by in
strange marketing collab for the two sides.
a second without another thought. But nonsensical nonsense with a
Unfortunately, none of that is true after watching the fever dream of a promo Cera created get rejected by the lotion’s board of
backbone in wordplay is a proven formula for these commercials, and I’m not complaining.
MOST SELF-DEPRECATING
PLAYING ON HIS Boston background and infallible friendship with Matt
But there has to be a line that an ad agency won’t cross, right? I was
Damon, actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon actually rap an original jingle
proven wrong while watching 30 seconds of a shameless tracksuit band
for Dunkin Donuts over a generic yet funky 80’s style beat. Nobody will
led by Affleck. Unfortunately, using celebrities in your commercial doesn’t
ever say it was good, but hey, we’re talking about it so there must be some
make it any less cringeworthy.
cultural impact.
For Dunkin Donuts, of course they are going to have Affleck rapping his
We all know celebrities were the backbone of this year’s broadcast,
heart out for the “DunKings” while Jennifer Lopez, Damon, Jack Harlow and
from Taylor Swift to Lebron James. When they weren’t filming football, the
even Tom Brady get helplessly embarrassed in the process — reminiscent
camera always found a familiar, famous face in the crowd.
of a poorly performed SoundCloud rapper concert.
Dunkin’
22 | FEBRUARY 20, 2024
story b y kati e mu r phy
THE HARBINGER
d e s ig n b y b e l l a b ro ce p h o to s b y mo l l y s cot t
BEYOND BREAD
A l o c a l A s i a n bakery called Beyond Bread offers an impre ssive a s s o r tme n t o f C hi ne se, K o rean and m o re b aked go o d s GROWING Prairie
UP
Village,
IN
I’ve
89 12 W 95th S t . O v e rla nd Pa rk, KS , 662 12
Orange County, California. There, every street corner is lined with Asian bakeries.
only
This local business bakes its own sweet bread each morning along with an assortment of more than 20
the
magic
But now I don’t have to wait until vacation to enjoy
baked goods like milk bread and jelly rolls. Customers
bakery
snacks
authentic pastries since discovering Beyond Bread —
can grab a woven basket at the door and go through a
and cakes while visiting my
a local Asian bakery gem nestled between a Kung Fu
line to fill it with sweets to purchase.
Vietnamese grandparents in
dojo and a Cantonese restaurant on 95th and Antioch.
experienced of
Asian
snow WHITE TUCKED INTO A pastel pink wrapper
princess-like combination we all needed.
Overall, the snow white pastry is not too heavy and
and dusted in powdered sugar, the snow
The muted sweetness of the plain white sponge
white pastry is essentially a souffle crossed
cake pairs well with the cold, smooth ivory custard
with a vanilla chantilly cake — the Disney
filling that is similar to a homemade vanilla pudding.
french TOAST MAYBE
SEEING
of
room-
a pan at home — but I promise this Hong Kong-style
immediately, the owners recommend heating it up —
French
French toast is on-par, if not better.
either way, the bread is clearly fresh and much better
temperature
slices
toast
individually
into
The middle of each thick slice of bread is moist and
clear wrappers isn’t as enticing
cinnamon-y sandwiched between the crust and buttery
as seeing slices that come off
crispy golden brown edges. Though I tried this one
tucked
makes for a cute individual portion of cake.
than store-bought bread at home.
red bean BUN
I’VE HAD AT LEAST a dozen different
The individually wrapped pastry shines with egg
variations of the classic Japanese red
wash and a liberal sprinkling of dark sesame seeds
As someone who doesn’t typically like beans, this
bean bun pastry while visiting California,
that add crunch to the fluffy baked sweet bread bun.
melt-in-your-mouth red bean bun is definitely an
and Beyond Bread’s take on the treat doesn’t
Inside, a velvety red adzuki bean paste filling is
exception.
disappoint.
naturally sweet and nutty — almost like a subdued
tiger ROLL
chocolate — and I wish there was more of it.
THIS BRIGHT YELLOW rolled
Beyond Bakery’s chilled glass case. A small serving of
sweet than American yellow cake, making for a delicately
cake filled with sweet whipped
the cake with four fluffy hockey puck-sized sliced pieces
light and photogenic treat. The whipped filling is best
cream
costs only $3 — a very generous amount.
cold, making it taste almost like ice cream.
looks
animated
almost
pastry
emoji
like
an
behind
The swirled cake has a subtle sugary flavor but is less
hot DOG
BEYOND BREAD ALSO offers more savory
to shame, wrapped in milk bread and sprinkled
Two palm-sized hotdog rolls are $2, and these are
pastries like their miniature Chinese hot dog bun.
with asiago cheese baked to a crackle. The bread
seriously addictive without being overly salty.
These baby hot dogs put regular pigs in a blanket
is so soft that it is almost crushed when you pick it up and has a slightly sweet tinge.
EVEN IF YOU MISSED celebrating Lunar New Year on Feb. 10, it’s not too late to experience some traditional Asian cultures in our own city by filling a basket of affordable baked goods at Beyond Bread.
d e si g n by kenna harring t on
T h e t h e a t re d e p a r t m e n t pre f o r m e d t h e m u s i c a l , “ O n c e Up o n a Ma t t re ss ,” a p a ro d y o f “Pri n c e s s a n d t h e Pe a ,” o n Fe b. 8 , 9 an d 1 0
THE HARBINGER
FEBRURARY 20, 2023 | 23
Parody of the Pea SCAN ME PHOTO Scan to purchase photos from this event
T O P R I G H T Senior Audrey Apprill who portrays Queen Aggravain points her finger at a potential princess, expressing that the princess didn’t pass the test. “I give them impossible tests that they can’t pass so they can’t marry the queen’s son,” Apprill said. photo by kenna harrington
TOP LEFT Junior Wyatt Moon who portrays Prince Dauntless backs away from the rest of the cast as they question when he’s going to get married. “[Portraying Prince Dauntless] felt natural to me,” Moon said. “He’s a very silly character, so I really played up the comedy of it.” photo by kenna harrington
B O T T O M L E F T Once Upon A Mattress’s set design started in late November. Cast members said it took a lot of time to put everything up, even taking a ropes fly system to hang props up. The team also worked with costumes to incorporate fabrics into the set. photo by alex sajna
BOTTOM RIGHT Sophomore Brooks Hagedorn tapes a mic to Freshman Hailey Stuber. “ We’ve been prepping for months in advance and we label all the mic packs,” Hagedorn said. “It’s a lot of labeling and then you have to program everything back to the board.” photo by kenna harrington
smeharbinger.net/category/sports
20
FEBRUARY
5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Varsity Basketball @ Olathe West
22
FEBRUARY
TBD
Wrestling St ate vs. Wichit a
...
23
FEBRUARY
ays lef
7
t
Sports
FEBRUARY 20, 2023 | 24
d
d e si g n by l i bby mars h
Ma r k y o ur calendars for the se
spring sports
begin
UPCOMING EVENTS
29
5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
TBD
FEBRUARY
Va r s i t y B a s k e t b a l l @ S M S
Varsity Bowling State
L E F T Senior Brayden Roberts performs a reverse dive tuck during the final round of diving during the sunflower League Championships. The team placed first out of 13 teams with 4 7 7 points, nearly 200 points more than second place. photo by riley scott
season update
B O T T O M L E F T Freshman Emma Weidman jumps up in an attempt to block her opponent from catching a rebound. The freshman girls team defeated Olathe East 33-24. photo by addie clark
THE BOYS AND girls
B O T T O M R I G H T In the freshman A boys team game against Rockhurst Freshman Tommy Trucksess leans back to escape his defended and shoot the ball. The Lancers defeated Rockhurst 56-48. photo by addie clark
recently had their Sunflower League
An up date o f t h e b o w l i n g seaso n so f ar varsity
team to their dedication to training
bowling teams are preparing for
as
their regional meet on Feb. 20 and
coaches to improve their scores.
state on Feb. 29. The season started in the beginning of January and will
well
as
encouragement
from
SCAN ME WEBSITE
end in a couple of weeks. The team Meet on Feb. 8 where the boys took 10th place. Sophomore Mason
View galleries of bowling tournaments as well as other recent games
Meyers attribute the success of the
player review MASON MEY ER VARSITY GIRLS BOWLING
“
I’D SAY WE are pretty consistent and practicing and practicing together as a team. We would have like official practices, but we would also go to more Parkway lanes to practice on our own.
Meyers bowled a career high of
170 p o i n t s at the Sunflower League Championship, she bowled 3 S T R I K E S in a row
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 | 25
THE HARBINGER
stor y by ch ri sti an go o l ey
de s i g n by h al l i e o’bryan p h o tos by r yan de h a n
A HOME RUN TEAM A
The baseball team received the number one spot in 6A pre -se a son ra nkings
One of the four being Lawrence Free State,
we want to play the hardest schedule that is
School Baseball released their
that come out,” Gordon said. “The only
a game the team has circled after getting
why we have one of if not the hardest sched-
official pre-season rankings on
ranking that matters is the one that’s there,
defeated last year at state. They’ll also end
ules in the state,” Jones said. “This makes it
Jan. 26. East received the number
at the end of the season, and that’s how I
their season against St. Thomas Aquinas who
so every game, we’re going there and we’re
is currently ranked fifth in the state. A tough
prepared to fight and do everything we can
schedule is something that keeps the team
to win that game.”
“There’s a variety of different rankings
MYOSPORT KANSAS HIGH
one spot in 6A and the number four spot in
told them to approach it. It’s always nice to
Kansas. These high rankings add more pres-
be honored at the start, but really, it’s all
sure to the team coming off of back-to-back
about how you finish.” For the past two years, the team has
first-round losses in the state tournament. The ranking is based on multiple criteria
started slowly with losing streaks. Though
but what stands out the most is the number
they were able to work their way back at
of college commits on the team. Coming into
the end by winning regionals both seasons.
the 2024 season, the Lancers will have four
However, the state tournament was a road-
D1 commits, two JUCO commits and one D2
block for the team, losing in the first round
commit. Six of those seniors have had var-
to Blue Valley West in 2022 and Lawrence
sity experience and junior Colton Sims who
Free State in 2023. Senior Tennessee Base-
has started on varsity since his freshman
ball commit Jack Jones is hoping to make a
year. Senior Wes Lyerly is one of those play-
change in this upcoming season. “Say there’s 100 days in the season, we
ers — committing to Indiana state. The team was excited and honored to re-
want to only focus on day 1 right now, not
ceive the number-one spot but also realized
think about where we want to be on day
that it doesn’t mean anything if they don’t
100,” Jones said. “ We have to take it day by
stay focused on the day-to-day work and
day and not get ahead of ourselves and focus
succeed this season. Head Coach Will Gordon
on the game in front of us.”
has been instillingl into his players for years
East has a very competitive schedule for
that the only thing that matters is what hap-
this upcoming season, facing four of the
pens on the field.
top-ten opponents in their first ten games.
“
The team has hopes of getting to hold
motivated throughout the season.
the state trophy at the end of the year but
A LOT OF
the teams don’t have committed players. I don’t think being committed really matters in high school baseball. We’re all just trying to play as a team and we all have the same goal of winning games and making it to state at the end of the year
always remembers that the only thing that matters is the present. Hoping to leave their mark at East but also be a team that is more than just a group of amazing baseball players. “We won’t approach the season that much differently than we have in years past, we will just focus on the management of expectations,” Gordon said. “I really, try to emphasize just go out and play it one day at a time, play against the white ball every time it goes over the plate. It’s a new pitch, a new play, a new opportunity.”
W ES LYERLY PLAYER “We schedule in a certain way because
PREVIOUS RECORDS The te a m’s pa st se a son re c ords
COLLEGE COMMITS
S om e o f t h e v a rs i t y b a s e b a l l co m m it s a nd t h e i r s c h o o l s
202 3: 1 4 - 9- 0
2 02 1: 6- 1 2- 0
202 2 : 1 0- 1 3 - 0
2 019: 1 3 -7- 0
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
INDIANA STATE
FARLEIGH DICKINSON
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
HUTCHISON CC
NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE
J AC K J O N ES
C O LT O N S I M S
WES LYE R LY LUKE HULL
JA KE MILLER
LUKE HULL
26 | FEBRUARY 20, 2024
story b y re e se du n h am
THE HARBINGER
d e s ig n b y a d d i e m o o re p h o to b y a m e l i e wo n g
FRESH STATS
FRESH ON THE COURT Fre sh m a n S a m R odri guez i s t h e on l y fre sh m a n on the JV/ Varsit y basketball team this season
F
Info rma t i o n
a b o u t R o d ri g u ez ’s b a s ke t b a l l ca reer s o fa r
East
RESHMAN RODRIGUEZ
SAM
“[He goes to] Matt Ross and he just plays there for hours,”
was
Michelle said. “And whenever he would get the chance to continue
sitting
bench
practicing and shooting, he’d play in our backyard. He has taken
intently watching the
every opportunity he can to make himself into a better player.
versus
on
the
Rockhurst
varsity
Sam is known for his work ethic and diligence in the game,
student section erupted. We want
according to Oettmeier. Many of his teammates at East and
Sam! We want Sam! This was rare
MOKAN say that he has a great ability to stay positive and lift
because Sam is the shortest member
others up. Even though he enjoys playing with older students, being the
of the team. Shocked
27 POINTS IN HIS CAREERHIGH GAME
IHMS STARTER STARTED EVERY GAME IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
to
hear
his
name,
he
couldn’t help but grin, struggling to stay focused on the game — all his effort had paid off. “[I was] very, very shocked,” Sam said.
“There’s an expectation that I always have to perform at a high level,” Sam said. “Being the only freshman, there’s a lot of pressure that I have to deal with.” Freshman Henry Barnett has also been playing with Sam since he joined MOKAN. He and Sam are very close teammates and work
happen to me.”
well together, according to Barnett.
As the only freshman on the JV/Varsity
“[Sam’s attitude is] very positive,” Barnett said. He tries to
basketball team in four years, Sam works
bring everybody up. Even if the team chemistry is down, he’s
to stay on top of his shooting and defense
always looking to bring somebody up.”
skills by going to school early to practice. He
Freshman Brooks Dillon has been playing with Sam for three
also goes to Matt Ross during the week to play
years since they met at MOKAN. Dillon has not only grown
pickup basketball with random players he finds
close to Sam as a teammate, but also as a friend. They work on
there. This contributed to him being able to get
basketball skills, but also watch scary movies together and hang
playing time in the Rockhurst varsity boys game.
out at school.
“I felt excited and privileged [to make the
“We watch a lot of movies,” Sam said. “We like to just hang
team] because not many freshmen get to play for
out and talk to each other, and [we] usually go on walks to the
the JV team at East, so I felt very special,” Sam said.
Village.”
Since he was 12 years old, Sam would watch East
Sam has developed strong relationships with the upperclassmen
basketball games in hopes of playing for the team
on the team to the extent that some seniors have offered him a
when he started high school. He knew that playing
ride home after practice. He enjoys spending time with the seniors
against Rockhurst was a big deal based on the ongoing
at practices, games and team dinners every Thursday night.
rivalry between the two schools. He felt valued that the coaches trusted him to play in such an important game. His mom Michelle Rodriguez watched the game from
“It just represented who Sam is,” Michelle said. “Everyone supporting him knowing that he is a genuinely
SO FAR THIS SEASON
to match the physical strength of his teammates.
got going I was amazed that it could really
hearing the chant.
4
only freshman on the team can be challenging because of the need
“I didn’t expect that to happen, but once it
the parents’ section and struggled to hold back tears after
PLAYED IN VARSITY GAMES
He’s just very dedicated to improving his game.”
basketball game when the entire
kind person, and he’s an extremely hardworking athlete.” Sam has been playing basketball since first grade, but
“It’s
just
about
team
chemistry
and
building
that
[relationship],” Sam said. “That’s something I’ve worked on a lot this year.” Sam’s favorite aspect of being on the team with upperclassmen is playing with a different age group than he usually does. He hopes to grow even closer to his teammates next year. “I’m definitely going to keep in touch,” Sam said. “I’ll talk to them a lot, hang out with them over the summer, shoot with them and work out with them.”
started to take it seriously going into seventh grade when
Sam’s goals for the future are to finish out the season strong,
he joined MOKAN — a local club basketball program. He also
move up to varsity full-time as a sophomore, and hopefully
joined the Indian Hills Middle School team and started every
play basketball in college. He describes the sport as his safe
game, earning a career-high of 27 points in one game.
space. When he plays basketball he’s able to stop thinking about
Coach Ryan Oettmeier has noticed Sam’s early-morning
everything but the court.
shooting sessions and the hours spent training at Matt Ross.
“Basketball has always been a thing where when I play,
Oettmeier says that Sam’s footwork and shooting has improved
everything just goes away,” Sam said. “It’s something that I can
over the three months of the season.
really just focus on.”
s tor y by pre st on hooker
d e si g n by sydney ec k
p h o to s by caroline m ar t u cci & mar y g a gen
WRAPPING UP THE THE HARBINGER
S ta t i s t i c s a nd update s about bowling, w re s t l i n g and boys swim and dive as w i n ter sp o r t s seaso n w rap s up
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 | 27
SEASON
BOYS SWIM AND DIVE
SUNFLOWER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS FIRST PLACE FINISHES:
1:27.95 200 YARD
FREESTYLE RELAY P. STECHSCHULTE
J. MCCLELLAND
C. BLAIR
J. CROSBY
476.55 4:50.64
DIVING
PETER STECHSCHULTE
500 YARD
FREESTYLE
JACK
MCCLELLAND
R I G H T Senior Mitchell Blair swims during Last Chance Swim Meet at Shawnee Mission Aquatic Center. photo by caroline martucci L E F T Senior Braydon Roberts dives during practice at the Shawnee Mission Aquatic Center. photo by caroline martucci A B O V E Sophomore Henry Saylor dives into the pool during Last Chance Swim Meet at Shawnee Mission Aquatic Center. photo by caroline martucci
BOWLING
“
WE ARE TRYING
to relive what we did last year and years prior with winning the state championship. There’s a lot of highs and lows this season.
L E F T Sophomore John Gagen wrestles during his match against Wellsville.
GUS VASOS
photo by mary gagen
SOPHOMORE
CHRISTIAN LAHEY
748 SERIES
SCHOOL RECORD
TH LEAGUE RESULT 10 SUNFLOWER
WRESTLING
“
A B O V E Sophomore Gus Vasos practices his form. photo by caroline martucci
WE HAVE A lot of underclassmen,
and only a couple seniors. So a lot of the older guys and girls take the underclassmen under their wing and we’re just making so much improvement. J OH N G AG EN SOPHOMORE
55% OF VARSITY ARE U NDERCL A S S M EN
28 | FEBRUARY 20, 2024
meet your
-- S
THE HARBINGER
d e s ig n & c o p y b y ka i mc p h a i l p h o to s b y rya n d e h a n
NN
CAATE S I DA
D I D D
I SA AC DEAN
MR. FOOTBALL
s date
di can THOUGH SENIOR AND t ree h ean t g f a right tackle Issac Dean has o w s p nsa evie r a only played football for two p C A r. he M years, he’s honored and proud to be t r fo
When and where? FEB. 21 @ 5:30 P.M.
SHAWNEE MISSION EAST AUDITORIUM TALENT SHOW OF MALE CANDIDATES REPRESENTING DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES
PROCEEDS GO TO ALL CANS ARE DONATED TO VETERAN’S COMMUNITY PROJECT
football, so it means a lot to step into a
football, but I also enjoy baking,” Dean
leadership position being so new on [the
said. “I’m at the CAA for half the [school]
team].”
day for the Bistro program. The hospitality
But this athlete isn’t all tough. When Dean
industry is something I’m really into.”
recognized by his team as “Mr. Football.”
isn’t tackling an opposing player, you can
Dean urges students to bring cans to
Football is one of Dean’s core passions,
find him pursuing his passion for baking.
commemorate East football — he believes
and he couldn’t be more excited to step on
He enjoys taking classes at the Center
this nomination belongs to the team as a
the stage and represent his sport.
of
whole.
specifically
the restaurant management classes and
“The goal is for people to come out, show
“There’s a lot of notable people I could
working at the Bistro — the CAA’s student-
support and bring in cans for the cause,”
think of to win a nomination. This is my
run restaurant.
Dean said. “My goal for this is to bring
f i r s t
year
playing
varsity
BE CK
ALSO HOPING TO win the blue ribbon for his talent and most cans donated is “Mr. Cross Country,” Beck Jones. Jones has been on the cross country team for one-and-a-half years now and has quickly become a runner to look out for on the track with an outdoor 4:52.73 “[It feels] awesome to be nominated,” Jones said. “It’s special to be a part of the cause. My
Bring at least one can to the East auditorium upon entry.
Achievement,
“It means a lot to me,” Dean said.
mile.
HOW TO VOTE
Academic
M SA
goal is to get out there and have fun.”
“I’m most likely going to play college
attention to the fundraiser.”
JONES
MR. CROSS COUNTRY
video games on occasion and working at the Fleet Feet running shoe store. Though he’s not always on the run, he finds ways to stay active, whether it be pressing controller buttons or selling shoes. Jones wants your vote to help show support for cross country and what running does for the students involved. “[Mr. Cansas is] going to be a blast, I’m happy to be selected along with a lot of my friends,” Jones said.
Outside of cross country, Jones likes playing
WILLIAMSON MR. CHOIR
MAKE
WAY
FOR
senior
Williamson,
your
candidate.
Williamson
involved
in
all
“Mr. things
Sam Choir”
TALENTSINGING
voice.
Williamson
loves
staying
been
active and going to the gym with
dancing,
friends. He pursues ways to express
has
singing and acting since he was just
his
a toddler. He emphasizes that when
through a multitude of hobbies.
you vote for him, you’re voting for
Cast your votes for your candidate with extra cans and enjoy the pageant.
there’s more to him than his angelic
creativity
and
artistic
skills
“I love to sing, dance, perform,
the choir as a whole.
play the guitar, anything where I’m
“It feels great to be able to represent
on the stage and performing I love
something that so many people can
[it],” Williamson said.
come together and collaborate as a
Williamson encourages people
community,” Williamson said. “To
to bring cans in honor of the choir
be the face of that is awesome.”
department to show support for the
Performing arts is what he spends most of his free time doing, but
talented voices of East.