The Harbinger Issue 6 2023-24

THE

harbinger...

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 7500 MISSION ROAD PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS 66208 NOVEMBER 13, 2023 VOLUME LXVI ISSUE 6

THE

HIDDEN

PRICE OF

SHOPLIFTING. Te e n a g e rs h a v e i n c re a s i n g l y t u r n e d to s hoplifting as a pastime while overlooking the long - term leg a l re p e rc u s s i o n s o f th e i r a c t i o ns

A KS L

A LOOK INSIDE:

page 5...

The Prairie Village Police Department leads a fundraiser for junior Carlie Foutch

16...

26...

Aerial Arts Club lets students share joy for aerial silks and lyra

A group of seniors forms Project FC, a coed recreational soccer team

21

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02 | NOVEMBER 13, 2023

cov e r de sig n & p h oto b y greyso n i mm

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y addi e moore

ĢÁőĆĩĢūĆàä Ģäūʼn

ĩĢěĆĢä łŅäŪĆäū

A curre n t e v e n t h a p p e n i n g i n T h o u s a n d O a k s,

Visit smeharbinger.net to view additional storie s,

Califo rnia a ccord in g to n e w s p ap e r e d i to r R i l ey K eel er

gal l erie s, podc a st s a nd v ide os

THE LANCER The TOHS football team won their first league title in THOUSAND OAKS three years HIGH SCHOOL

SCAN ME WEBSITE Read The Lancer’s story over their football team’s league title

ʼnőÁƅ ěĆʼnő PRINT EDITORS K atie Murphy Greyson Imm

ONLINE EDITORS Aanya Bansal Maggie Kissick

ASST. PRINT EDITOR Addie Moore

HEAD COPY EDITORS Greyson Imm Aanya Bansal

ASST. HEAD COPY EDITOR Ada Lillie Worthington

HEAD PHOTO EDITORS Riley Scott Liv Madden Kenna Harrington

ASST. PHOTO EDITORS Caroline Martucci Clara Peters Amelie Wong

PHOTO MENTORS Ryan Dehan Molly Miller Paige Bean

VIDEO EDITORS Abby Lee Ryder Hendon

DESIGN EDITORS Veronica Mangine Bridget Connelly

PODCAST EDITOR Emma Krause

ART EDITOR

Bridget Connelly

THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA

RIGHT TOHS starting quarterback and senior Jackson Taylor prepares to throw the ball , which resulted in the game-winning touchdown. photo courtesy of riley keeler

ASST. ART EDITOR Caroline Daniels

EQUIPMENT MANAGER Mason Sajna

Read a feature over a new math club created by juniors Mae Bledsoe and Anna Ravis and read an opinion about the negative effects of caffeine

SCAN ME WEBSITE c a r to o n by ka i mc p h a i l

ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Isabel Balsassaro Avery Anderson

MULTIMEDIA STAFF

COPY EDITORS

STAFF ARTISTS

Connor Vogel Libby Marsh Isabel Baldassaro Maggie Condon Luke Beil Christian Gooley Neva Hudson Avery Anderson Lyla Weeks Preston Hooker

Mary Gagen Luke Beil Paige Bean Ryan Dehan Mason Sajna Alex Sajna Emma Krause Preston Hooker Luciana Mendy

K atie Murphy Greyson Imm Maggie Kissick Aanya Bansal Ada Lillie Worthington Addie Moore Emmerson Winfrey Libby Marsh David Allegri STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Sophia Brockmeier Larkin Brundige Mason Sajna Lucy Wolf Alex Sajna Will Griffith STAFF WRITERS Maggie Condon Mary Gagen

Larkin Brundige K ai McPhail Lorelei Galles Zane Laing Will Griffith

ONLINE POST MANAGERS

Sophia Brockmeier Mary Gagen Connor Vogel

PAGE DESIGNERS PRINT SECTION EDITORS Emmerson Winfrey EDITORIAL | Caroline Daniels NEWS | Libby Marsh FEATURE | Veronica Mangine SPORTS | Isabel Baldassaro OPINION | K ai McPhail

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Maggie Kissick Bridget Connelly

Zane Laing Avery Anderson K ai McPhail Sophia Brockmeier Lyla Weeks Clara Burdick Sydney Eck Lucy Stephens Lorelei Galles

łĩěĆőĆÚÁě ÚÁŅőĩĩĢ

The success is credited to the new head coach Ben McEnroe and recent transfer and quarterback, senior Jackson Taylor

;gZZg© g g H Z `'#H ͢ SME Harbinger The Harbinger smeharbinger 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 thought letters may be edited for clarity, length or mechanics. Letters should be sent to Room 400 or emailed to smeharbinger@gmail.com.

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 03

THE HARBINGER

de s i g n by carol i n e d aniels p h o tos f ro m bookr i ot .com

BOOK UNFAIR

NORMAL BOOKS

The re c e n t a d d i t i o n o f t h e d i v e rs i t y s e c t i o n to the S c h ola stic Book Fa i r p a i n t s p e o p l e o f c o l o r a nd others being cla s s i f yi n g as di v e rs e as “ab n o r m al”

;g ͢ ̱ < Ha ͢ ̨ 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.

W

ZWHa<

D'

In response to the criticism they received

written by a black author than have to venture

library, elementary kids excitedly

for the section, Scholastic decided to make the

to a whole other section to find the same book.

clutch

section optional for librarians and teachers

Diversity needs to be embedded into the

dollar

Ha g bills

and

stare

at the spectacle of the annual

Scholastic Book Fair.

On the left is a “diversity” section full of

ordering

will

education system as a whole, not slapped on one

display at their book fairs. Now diversity as a

the

merchandise

their

school

bookshelf away from the other “normal” or “not

whole can be removed from the book fair.

diverse” books.

books written by or about “diverse” people,

Children who see themselves in “diverse”

English classes, inclusive school celebrations

and to the right are all the other books: a clear

books that are singled out may feel more

and open conversations about diversity and

message

exposed than represented. Kids who already

different lifestyles should be where students are

struggle with their racial or sexual identity may

exposed to cultural and racial diversity rather

Book fairs need to stop creating separate

also feel uncomfortable browsing these books as

than Scholastic Book Fair shelves.

sections for diverse books to better prepare

it could draw attention to a part of themselves

students to be inclusive in high school and

they aren’t comfortable with yet.

that

diverse

books

are

inherently

different.

beyond.

“

Yes, having diverse books available to young

students is important. But it’s unnecessary for

most influential role models. When students

ACCORDING TO

are

able

to

see

diverse

authors,

historical

figures and characters in their daily school lives

Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold and “Justice

A simple solution to this issue would be to

“inappropriate” topics or topics that adults don’t

Ketanji” by Denise Lewis Patrick as well as many

recategorize these diverse books so they’re

want children being taught such as LGBTQIA+

other “diverse” books.

spread out through all genres. This way, children

stories and cultural diversity subjects. The reality

While the initial intent of this new collection

are able to browse books with diversity without

is that these subjects need to be incorporated

was to combat the recent effort to censor

feeling singled out while being able to purchase

into the education system, but spotlighting them

LGBTQIA+ and racial identity topics in children’s

books from genres that interest them.

unnecessarily is simply not the way to do this.

Having to draw special attention to diversity makes the concept feel “weird” for some kids.

This year, Scholastic — the U.S.’s largest

publisher and distributor of children’s books — piloted their “Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” section of elementary school book fairs.

It featured a selection of 64 books classified as “diverse” spread over two mobile bookshelves.

Books that were in

the div e rsit y se c tion

It’s important that children are able to see

without having attention brought to the fact that

fair. This makes it more exclusive than inclusive.

ggW

themselves in their favorite books or as their

the American Library Association, in more than 30 states, diverse books mainly including LGBTQIA+ characters and topics have been censored, making it impossible to ignore the issues schools are facing with diversity and inclusion.

the section to be separate from the rest of the

΋#H¨' 'Ό

they’re diverse is when students of different backgrounds will begin to feel truly included.

Book fairs are a great place to start.

In more than 30 states, diverse books mainly including LGBTQIA+ characters and topics have

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD BY: HARPER LEE

been censored, making it impossible to ignore the issues schools are facing with diversity and inclusion, according to the American Library Association.

Books are currently being censored due to

The section features titles such as “All Are

books, its caused children to feel more called out

Students would rather pick up a book that

than represented, according to Education Week.

looks interesting to them and realize it was

Isolating these books is almost as detrimental as not having them at all.

GEORGE

BY: ALEX GINO

Briefs...

04 | NOVEMBER 13, 2023

smeharbinger.net/category/news

THE

lancer minute

A video series highlighting ph otos from g a l l e r i e s an d re c a p pi n g rec e n t s c h o o l e v e n t s

s to r ie s b y katie murphy d e s ig n b y l i b by ma rs h

MORP RUNDOWN

Qu ic k de ta ils a bou t the u pc oming da nc e

TIME: 7-9 p.m.

DATE: Dec. 1

THEME: Cartoon Heroes and Villains

COST: $10 LOCATION: Cafeteria

THE MORP DANCE ON DEC. 1 WILL RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY STUDENT COUNCIL IS hosting the “cartoon heroes versus

“lucky tickets” sold within the first 500 tickets will be stamped

cartoon villains”-themed MORP dance from 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 1

with a Lancer and can be exchanged for a $10 Chipotle gift card,

in the cafeteria.

according to Fishman.

Tickets will be sold for $10 cash or online payment outside of

“We’ll provide food like chips and Rice Krispie squares,”

StuCo sponsor and history teacher Brenda Fishman’s room before

Fishman said. “It’s just a mixer so you don’t need to get fancy or

and after school and during lunch the week before the dance. All

go out to an expensive dinner before.”

proceeds benefit the Johnson County Christmas Bureau.

“We’re going to put fans in there so that it doesn’t get too hot and take all the precautions to expect maximum capacity,”

Social Committee Chair senior Anna Thelen is currently selecting backdrops and decorations for the event to fit the theme.

Student Body President and senior Jack Kessler said. “I’d say

“A group of seniors came up to me last year after MORP and

there was a lack of publicity last year, but we still sold over 100

said they had a lot of fun and expressed regret that they missed

tickets.”

MORP for the pandemic in past years,” Kessler said. “That’s one

Kessler hopes StuCo will sell at least 600 tickets this year. Ten

of my motivations to keep it going.”

THE CLASS OF 1973 BEGINS ATYPICAL REUNION FUNDRAISER photo by caroline martucci

CROSS COUNTRY STATE

THE CLASS OF 1973 is running a November fundraiser for

were on a tour of the school in anticipation of a reunion that

SHARE’s Uplift project benefitting Kansas City’s homeless

happened to be on the same day as the SHARE Care Fair.

population.

Class reunions have donated to the school for renovations and support services in the past, but never to the SHARE

“We ended up looking around for 45 minutes and didn’t even get halfway around the displays of volunteering opportunities,” Slentz-Howard said. “I was so impressed by the students.”

program directly. The alumni fundraiser started in October and

Uplift is a nonprofit providing mobile street outreach to

has collected $2,400 so far to fund tents and solar heat lamps

the homeless by taking four vans loaded with food, clothing

that will be distributed by student volunteers through Uplift this

and other essential supplies to downtown four nights a week.

month.

According to Community Outreach Director Amy Cox, they

“The Class of 1973 wanted to give money to SHARE but have

serve 250-400 people each night with the mission of showing

the funds help the population outside of East too,” SHARE

compassion to unhoused individuals living on the streets, in the

Coordinator Erin Billingsley said. “That’s why they decided

woods or in their cars.

to focus on the Uplift project after talking with the student

“Winter is an essential time to serve individuals without

executives. It’s great that people are recognizing SHARE as

housing,” Cox said. “We provide food and other basic essentials,

something to donate to and not just a program to volunteer

which keep people alive in the winter months.”

through.”

Class of 1973 alumni John Tompkins, Marie Haake and

Students can sign up to volunteer at Uplift at their website uplift.org/volunteer.

Patty Slentz-Howard are coordinating donations through the

“Hopefully this will inspire other class reunions behind us,”

Punchbowl site after learning about SHARE in October. They

Slentz-Howard said. “It’s great to see students being leaders and taking care of others in our area and beyond.”

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION CEREMONY ON NOV. 29 photo by amelie wong

STUDENT COUNCIL RETREAT

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

NEXT YEAR’S NATIONAL Honor Society officers will be

is a better time because winter sports are just starting up and

announced at the Induction Ceremony at 6 p.m. on Nov. 29 in

there’s less going on.”

the auditorium with changes from last year.

Voting for the four officers closed on Nov. 7 for NHS juniors.

Typically the induction ceremony is held in late March, according to NHS Officer and senior Autumn Sun, but this year it was moved earlier.

“Last spring, a lot of candidates were too busy with activities and had to miss the event,” Sun said. “We decided that right now

Another change this year is the addition of a reception for inductees and their families with cake after the ceremony, held in the cafeteria with formal dress code.

“It’s fun to be able to celebrate induction instead of just being inducted and going home like in past years,” NHS Officer senior Millie Norden said. “About 160 people applied, and everybody who applied got in.”

s tor y b y luci ana me nd y

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 05

THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by g reyson i mm

SHAVING LIVES

R I G H T The Prairie Village Police Department poses for a photo with junior Carlie Foutch and her mother, Misty, to kick off their fundraiser. photo from PVPD

A No - S h a v e No v e m b e r f u n d ra i s e r i s b e i n g o rganized by the Pra i r i e V i l l a g e Po l i c e D e p a r t m e n t to h e l p junior Carlie Foutc h a n d h e r f a m i l y p a y m e d i c a l b i l l s a fte r Carlie’s leuke m ia t re a t m en t

T

HE PRAIRIE VILLAGE Police

point during the month.

“That’s

“I can’t leave her home alone anymore,”

fundraiser

Sergeant Luke Roth said. “If they don’t pay

the fundraiser on the department’s Facebook

Kramer said. “If she’s in pain, I have to give

until Nov. 30 to raise money for

they don’t get facial hair, because typically

account, and chose to donate because she

her medicine if she needs it, if she’s feeling

this year’s beneficiary, cancer patient, junior

we don’t wear facial hair. It’s kind of an

had learned about Foutch’s story through a

sick to her stomach, I have to give her a

Carlie Foutch and her family. All the money

incentive, most officers want to grow their

previous Harbinger feature on her.

different medicine. I have to hook her up and

raised from the fundraiser will go to the

beards so all they have to do is pay $20.”

November

Leukemia in 2021, a type of cancer in which

done

“I think if it had just been the American

not her from her G tube feedings and this and

Cancer Society or something I might’ve just

the

department’s

scrolled past it,” Ford said. “But when I saw

Foutch’s uncle and psychology teacher

GoFundMe linked on their Facebook account,

that it was for Carlie I was really compelled

Brett Kramer explained that the caretaking

Prairie Village Police Department.

to donate.”

factor can be a lot more expensive than

of

Foutch was diagnosed with acute Myeloid

always

Donations can also be made by members

Foutch family to help them pay for Foutch’s treatment and other medical bills.

we’ve

that she needs.

Senior Collin Ford’s mom, Joey Ford found

No-Shave

how

connection.” it,”

Department is hosting its annual

on

department

the

first

organized

that.”

the

Meyer contacted Kramer, to ask if the

expected, since the bills can start to add

abnormal blood cells. She was able to receive

fundraiser to help raise money for education

department could organize the fundraiser

up with the lack of an income. Most of the

a bone marrow transplant, but less than a

and research in pediatric cancer for St. Jude

for the benefit of Foutch and the family, and

money will go towards the lost wages for the

year later her cancer relapsed.

Children’s Research Hospital in 2021, but

Kramer agreed.

time spent with Foutch.

the bone marrow makes a large number of

The

community

“It’s very heartwarming that so many

this year the department decided to narrow

“Every little bit helps, so I said, ‘Yes,

The officers have already raised more than

people care,” Foutch’s mother, Misty Kramer

its focus and fundraise for a family in the

that’d be great,’” Kramer said. “I know that

$1,000 within the first week and though the

said. “They care for the cause, they care about

community.

there are so many kids out there that have

GoFundMe’s goal is $20,000, Roth just hopes

my daughter, it is a struggle every day. It’s

Detective Seth Meyer, a past school resource

gone through [cancer], or will go through

whatever amount they raise will be enough to

tiring trying to do the best for my daughter.”

officer at East, reached out to administrators

that, or are going through that. If she can be

help Foutch and her family.

The officers will fundraise during the

about any potential beneficiaries— Foutch’s

kind of an eye opener to families and other

“The majority of our officers have kids

family was suggested.

kids because it’s a harsh reality, then I’m

and can only imagine Foutch’s family has

okay with that.”

gone through with financial struggles and

month of November by donating $20 to Foutch and her family to be allowed to grow

“We wanted to find somebody that we

out their facial hair. The officers usually

could really make a connection with,” Meyer

Foutch is unavailable for comment because

hospitals,” Roth said. “So knowing that

have to be clean-shaven while on duty so the

said. “I’m not saying those big organizations

she is recovering from a hospital visit due

the money is going to help lift some of this

fundraiser gives them a chance to have some

aren’t important because they are, but it’s

to pneumonia and pain. Her treatment has

pressure in such a tense situation really

facial hair. The officers also have to donate

harder to have that personalized connection.

shifted from cure to comfort, and Kramer has

makes it worth it.”

an extra $20 as a penalty if they shave at any

This

been taking off work to give Foutch the care

we

have

that

NO-SHAVE

BASICS

T h e b a s i c s o f P V P D’s fund rai ser

SCAN ME DONATE Access the link to PVPD’s fundraising site to donate and help cover junior Carlie Foutch’s medical bills

real

personal

RULES

THE

year,

officers have to pay to participate

$20

officers must pay an additional $20 if they shave this month

THE

COUNTDOWN

17

more days of the fundraiser as of Nov. 13

out of the $20,000 $2,140 raised goal as of Nov. 8

06 | NOVEMBER 13, 2023

story b y n eva h u dso n

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y l o re l e i g a l l e s p h o to s b y p a i ge b e a n

I

[MAGNIFYING AI]

Te a chers ha v e s ta r te d u s i n g A r t i f i c i a l I n tel l i gence d etecto rs to catch st ud ent s usi ng i t to chea t N RESPONSE TO increased academic dishonesty due to use of Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT this year,

teachers

have

begun

running

written assignments through AI detectors.

In an Instagram poll of 134 students, 40% reported that they have been accused of using AI on an assignment when they actually.

Out of 125 votes, 13% of students have been accurately caught using AI. Turnitin

is

one

software

utilized

by

teachers to scan students’ work for AIgenerated

information.

Andersen

uses

Turnitin for AI detecting as well as its other features.

“I

have

used

Turnitin

anyway

for

plagiarism screening, but now it gives us two different measures of originality,” English teacher Amy Andersen said. “We can see the percentage of matched material with other web sources and now an AI percentage match.”

However,

these

detectors

you never know which ones are wrong or who to believe.”

issue as well.

supporting evidence is incorrectly cited.

“It comes down to asking, ‘When does the

“AI is not going to be able to tell your

online

writing and ideas become somebody else’s?’”

story the same way you can,” Gibbs said. “It

assignments turned in by students through

Gibbs said. “For me it becomes particularly

cannot generate evidence that you need to

AI detectors after encountering AI written

problematic if [students] are using it to

support your ideas yet.”

work turned in by students. He hopes that

generate text.”

Gibbs

has

begun

running

Senior Violet Paisner believes there are

in the future AI can be incorporated in the

During the college admissions process for

positive ways that AI can be used in school

classroom in a way that’s not simply copying

prospective fall 2024 students, the use of AI

as a quick way to search the internet for facts

responses written by AI.

to write or aid in writing personal narrative

or research.

“As there is with any new technology

essays has come up as a concern, according

“I think AI can be beneficial for generating

there’s an element of excitement, like ‘How

to Education Week. Because of the formulaic

ideas,” Paisner said. “There is just a very

can I use this to benefit students?’” Gibbs

models AI writes with, chatbots will craft

fine line where turning something you got a

said. “But how do you teach how to use those

essays using broad language lacking details

bunch of help writing with your name on it

technologies appropriately? AI in general is

and anecdotes only a human can provide.

becomes straight up plagiarism.”

just so ambiguous in the many different ways that it can be used.”

The

introduction

of

AI

chatbots

Gibbs has noticed that if an AI chatbot is

As AI chatbots continue to develop, AI

fed information or a prompt that includes an

detectors will too. The use of these platforms

has

error, it will not correct this in the response it

is set to become more widespread and more

complicated assigned writing meant to be

formulates, making its potential of spreading

regulated, making the future of education’s

done outside of the school day because of

misinformation online much higher. It’ll

relationship with AI uncertain.

how easy it can be used to cheat. Although AI

incorporate

is often seen as a concrete hurdle, it’s seen

given — whether it be a name or date —

by many as an ethical or moral

directly into the response. When writing

the

wrong

information

it’s

for an English class this is easily caught if

can flag any work with vague language or phrasing as being AI-generated, according to senior Lauren McGuire. An essay she’d spent hours writing was flagged by

Turnitin

as

having

been

written by AI. “[AI trackers] are probably a good idea,” McGuire said. “It’s just not totally reliable to use hundreds of kids’ work because

[AI AT EAST]

S tudent s re spond to Instagram polls on the ir A I u sa ge HAVE YOU EVER USED AI TO WRITE AN ASSIGNMENT THAT YOU TURNED IN? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 3 1 v o t e s

YES NO

44% 56%

HAVE YOU BEEN CAUGHT USING AI BY A TEACHER? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 2 5 v o t e s

YES 13% NO

87%

HAVE YOU BEEN ACCUSED OF USING AI WHEN YOU ACTUALLY DIDN’T? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 3 4 v o t e s

YES NO

40% 60%

de s i g n by k at i e murphy

DODGING FOR

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 | 07

THE HARBINGER

SHARE held a dodgeball tournament on Nov. 8 in the gym with 2 3 par ticipating teams and an entry fee of cereal boxe s to donate to

CEREAL

t he Jo hnso n C o unt y Christma s T O P R I G H T A team of senior boys called “ TPD” for their theme of trailer park boys won the tournament after four matches over two hours. photo by katie murphy

T O P L E F T Players dressed in blackout and jorts themes scramble for dodgeball at the start of a semi-final game. “ That game got really heated,” SHARE Executive ref and senior Laynie Manning said. “People were chanting ‘wanker’ at me.

But I made it out alive, and it was worth it for the cereal we collected.” photo by katie murphy B O T T O M L E F T Teams were encouraged to dress in themes, and the bestdressed team decided by SHARE Executives won a Chick-Fil-A giftcard. photo by greyson imm

M I D D L E R I G H T SHARE Executive and senior Blake Hanson fastens a wristband on a player who brought an extra cereal box for an extra life. “Organizing the tournament and reffing was stressful at time,” Hanson said. “I had to give out multiple red cards. There was a player who kept arguing and grabbed me after a call they disagreed with. I had to be super focused on the games.”

B O T T O M R I G H T The annual tournament raised over 400 boxes for charity. “It was special when three teams thanked us for putting it together,” SHARE Coordinator Erin Billingsley said. “ We haven’t photo by riley scott been thanked in past years. Also, it was memorable to see a team huddle before their games and have inspirational pep talks.” photo by katie murphy

LOOKING FOR

Something Unique?

L O

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F O R

Something Unique?

We have it! From home furniture to personal accessories you can find ittohere!

We have it! From home furniture personal accessories you can find it here!

Sun - Wed 10 - 6 | Thurs - Sat 10 - 7 9 0 3 0 M E T C A L F AV E , OV E R L A N D PA R K 9 1 3 - 9 0 1 - 8 8 8 8 - LIKE US ON

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NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 09

Opinion... smeharbinger.net/category/opinion

trending topics

Popular I te ms an d p e o p l e th at are f o u n d a ro u n d m ed i a S t udent s’ opinions about some

the defrosting

SNL SNL

T h e n e w e s t s e a s o n o f S a t u rd a y N i g h t L i v e d ro p p e d O c t . 1 4 , w i t h n e w e p i s o d e s e v e r y S a t u rd a y n i g h t .

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to pic s trending on social media

GOING TO THE dentist is something that

but I actually feel so much better after the

now

I absolutely look forward to. The feeling of

dentist says my teeth are looking good.

DO YOU LISTEN TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN NOVEMBER?

getting my teeth cleaned makes me feel like

Have I flossed once in the 16 years that I’ve

a new person. I’ve never understood why

been on this earth? No. But I do take pride

people hate mint paste and various tooth

in my routine brushing... and nothing else

scratching devices that I’ve found relaxing.

matters at the dentist besides your teeth —

The shining lights and the five-cent shades

that’s something that I happen to like.

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

M a r i a h C a re y p o s t e d h e r a n n u a l d e f ro s t i n g v i d e o s i g n a l i n g t h e s t a r t o f t h e C h r i s t m a s s e a s o n o n N o v. 1 .

hot take

YES NO

30%

70%

DO YOU WATCH SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 0 1 v o t e s

YES NO

c a r to o n by z a ne l a i ng

46% 54%

Whether it’s the confidence boost that

are a place of healing.

Who wouldn’t like a place where you’re

I get with my new pearly-whites or the

required to smile? I walk out of the door

bouncy ball gripped tightly in my hands so

with my teeth whiter and a sore jaw that

it can’t make an escape, the happiness that

only feels natural when you grin. Not to

I get from a visit to

mention the bouncy ball you get from the

the dentist’s office

treasure chest at the end. Wouldn’t you go

is

something

just about anywhere to get a rainbow bouncy

I

think

ball and end up with a happy face? I would.

should love.

that

everyone

I get that the idea of some sort of checkup might not be appealing to most people,

this or that?

S t udent s share their opinions per taining to op-ed ar tic le s in this issu e

DO YOUR ENGLISH TEACHERS USE AI DETECTORS? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 6 6 v o t e s

YES NO

29%

61%

DO YOU THINK SCHOOLS SHOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO BAN BOOKS? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 2 0 v o t e s

YES NO

12%

88%

10 | NOVEMBER 13, 2023

story b y addi e mo o re

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y l u c y s t e p h e n s p h o to s b y wi l l gri f f i t h

COMMON

K ansas is nothing like what out -of-staters think it is and offers more than the

MIS KAN CEPTIONS DEBUNKING STEREOTYPES A d d i e por trays common K a n s an stereot ype s

WIZARD OF OZ Every Kansan waltzes around in blue gingham dresses and wears sparkly red slippers.

H

r ural stereo t y p e s m o st co m m o nl y assoc ia te d with it

EY DOROTHY”

Costa Rica we were all gawking at the traffic

what comes to mind? Hollywood. Illinois?

“Do you live on a farm?”

jam and one of my friends asked me why I was

Chicago.

When I went to summer

so surprised — she thought cows in the street

states have at least ten thousand more farms

is a regular occurrence in Kansas.

than Kansas.

camp in Costa Rica, my camp

I’m used to seeing a swarm of bright red

friends would crack the typical Kansas jokes at any chance they got. One girl even sat me

Chiefs jerseys versus livestock.

According to the Kansas Department of

out of pure curiosity — she genuinely

Agriculture, only 13% of the Kansas population

those

My camp friends’ default idea of Kansas is

dress, sparkly red slippers and gets swept away in a tornado. One movie shouldn’t determine

cows and “The Wizard of Oz.”

any other state.

the reputation of a state 84 years after its

It isn’t given enough credit for

Another

its

much

breathtaking

more

than

sunsets

and

delicious barbeque.

When I search “Kansas” on

misconception

from

leaving

And sure, “The Wizard of Oz” is a classic,

and lawyers like normal people you can find in

is

—

Wizard of Oz.”

whopping 87% having normal jobs like doctors

Kansas

farming

of

but not every Kansan wears a blue gingham

a horse to school.

with

both

a

thought I lived in a red barn and rode

involved

enough,

Dorothy’s tornado-struck house from “The

down and asked what my house looked like is

Ironically

my

camp

friends is that the majority of our population according to Pew Research Center,

champion football team or the diverse weather

47% of

up are photos of wheat fields and

of which live in the rural areas.

to

— literally anything other than farms.

When I learned about history like “Bleeding

Moral of the story: Kansas is NOT just Republican farmers.

Kansas” in my seventh grade social studies class I was engaged more than usual because

of

You can catch my friends and I at the City

I was learning about my home state. A pivotal

population,

Market or shopping in the West Bottoms on a

point in our country’s history is much more

nice Saturday morning — not harvesting corn

important than Dorothy and the Wicked Witch

for my dinner that night.

of the West.

only

the

be known for its

fun college towns, our three time Super Bowl

Kansans identify as Republican — the majority

land is rural, it is home

Instead, Kansas should

are aggressive old Republican white men. But,

Google, the first things that pop sunflowers. Despite 85% of Kansas’

release.

25%

according the

to Kansas

Children’s Cabinet.

To all of the out-of-staters, I can promise

Basketball,

one

of

the

most

popular

you we don’t all wear grass-stained jeans and

sports in America — with last year’s NCAA

Driving

cowboy boots — I prefer flip flops. I’ll proudly

Championship having over 14.5 million views

past a herd

put on my white, stainless cowboy boots and

— was invented at the University of Kansas.

of 50 cows on

jean dress from Zara for a Luke Bryan concert,

I’m sure people think of basketball more than

but that’s about the only time you’ll see

farmers.

the

street

in

anyone dressed country.

People

from

Kansas is a lot more than outsiders credit it pictured

— and it’s time for people to open their minds

wearing overalls, and they have nine thousand

to the actual important things Kansas has to

more

offer.

farms

Minnesota

than

Kansas,

aren’t

according

to

Beef2Live. When people think of California,

LIVE ON FARMS

All Kansans wake to the crow of their pet rooster and begin their long days milking cows and harvesting crops.

RED NECKS Kansans speak in a raspy country accent proudly display their American flags for all their neighbors.

stor y by l uke beil

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 11

THE HARBINGER

de s i g n by cl ara burd ic k p h o to s by mol l y mi l ler

TARGETING

MISS AMERICANA

Why i t i s unheal t hy and unnat ural for obse sse d Ta ylor S wift fa ns to idolize he r

I

T HAS BEEN a

of movie theaters like

for women. But she’s also a 5’11’’ blonde

how Swift fans were doing

white woman who meets all of our

fall) for anyone in Kansas City that

at her concerts. Swift fans who didn’t

culture’s standards for beauty. Working

has bad blood with Taylor Swift’s

get tickets even waited in parking lots

out, wearing makeup and being styled

hit albums or her love story with Travis

outside of gates just to hear her concert.

by fashion labels undoubtedly makes

cruel

summer

(and

There’s

Kelce.

a

lot

of

traits

people

Someone has to say it: the level of

appreciate about Swift as a person: she

obsession Swifties have for Taylor is

comes across as personable, kind, warm

unhealthy and needs to stop.

and

affectionate.

for

advocates for progressive politics like climate change and animal conservation,

burn me at the stake, I do appreciate

gun violence and sexism. However, her

while ironically being a frequent flyer in

her style of music and I do listen to her

public image is artificial.

her private jet. manager

Her plane released more than 8,000

why people are fans. However, there’s

of PR. Ask a Swiftie how they know

tons of emissions in a year, which is

a difference between being a fan and

about

Taylor’s

1,000

having a detrimental obsession.

her

documentary

songs from time to time — I understand

an

exceptional

up

Plus Taylor makes it known that she

causes she believes in like LGBTQ rights,

is

stands

appearance.

Before all the Swifties attempt to

Swift

She

millions of girls feel bad about their

life.

They

might

Miss

Americana

say

times

average

for

greater an

than

the

individual,

yearly

according

following

(which happens to be produced by her).

to SlashGear.com. Even though she’s

behaviors: spending tens of thousands

Everything we see from Taylor is very

loaning the plane out for other people to

of dollars on concert tickets (in the

carefully manufactured to create this

ride, that’s still a crazy amount.

case of Kansas City $14,000 for the best

unrealistic perfect image. But in reality

seats) or filming yourself sobbing like a

she’s not flawless.

I’m

talking

about

the

baby while watching a recording of her concert in a movie theater.

A riot began outside a restaurant during a rehearsal dinner for producer Jack Antonoff just because she might be there. Hell, the USA Today hired a reporter to exclusively cover her.

Taylor’s reputation aside, the bottom line is that there are more important things to focus on. Millions of people

listening to a re-recording of an album se•ri•al that is ten years old is fine, but they m o • n o g • a • m i s t shouldn’t overshadow completely new

S o m e o n e w h o w i l l j u m p f ro m o n e s e r i o u s re l a t i o n s h i p t o t h e n ex t .

albums

by

other

artists

like

to

Travis’

mom

and

Taylor

looking awkward as they hug.

Swift-mania is getting out of hand. isn’t

Swift’s public feuds with ex-friends

It’s more important to read articles

unique to Swift. There’s lots of cult-

and boyfriends range from immature to

about the death of hundreds of people

like

internet

toxic. She’s a serial monogamist that

in the Middle East than yet another

like Beyonce, The Grateful Dead and

makes Pete Davidson look inexperienced.

one about the way Taylor clapped when

“Star Wars.” But specifically Swifties’

She loves to rant in her songs about how

Travis scored. But that’s all Swift’s fans

obsessions aren’t healthy for a number

much she despises her exes and it’s all

ever want to hear about her, so that’s

of reasons. No one is trading thousands

their fault that things didn’t work out.

what the media gives them.

Sure,

excessive

fandoms

all

fandom

over

the

of handmade Star Wars bracelets outside

Yes, Taylor advocates for inclusivity

R e a s o ns w hy Ta yl o r S w i ft i s o v e r ra te d

THE FANS The fans will pay tens of thousands of dollars to go to her concerts and will tape themselves bawling in a theater due to the new Eras Tour movie.

THE JET Swift’s private jet released more than 8000 tons of emissions in a year, which goes against everything she “believes in” regarding environmental conservation.

Olivia

Rodrigo. I’m tired of the NFL broadcast cutting

OVERRATED.

Seriously, let’s end the obsession.

THE SONGS Her last few albums have had the same folklore vibe to them, which gets old quickly as fans over-play them.

12 | NOVEMBER 13, 2023

THE HARBINGER

SPEAKER KID F re s h m a n E l i j ah S teward, also known as “speaker k i d ,” s h a re s a bout walking

around the

h a l l s b l a s t i n g music

bet ween

c l as s e s

d e s ig n b y k a i m c p h a i l p h o to b y c a ro l i n e m a r t u cc i

HALLWAY PICKS

Two of Elijah’s favorite songs

When did you start walking around the halls with a speaker?

“ “ “ “

to pla y on the wa y to cla ss

SPEAKER KID STARTED three

months ago. One week after [I started school], I just brought the speaker in with me.

What is your favorite genre to play in the hallways?

I LIKE PLAYING rap

“GANG FREESTYLE PT.2”

By GangWay Jay

music that’s goofy. It’s fun seeing people’s faces in the hall.

When did the “speaker kid” name start and stick?

THE NAME CAME a few days after I brought it [to school]. They were calling me speaker kid before knowing my name.

How has being “speaker kid” affected you and your experience at East?

IT BOOSTED MY name further than ever, at first everybody would yell ‘Speaker kid!’ at me in the halls.

People were taking photos with me and posting them on their Snapchat and Instagram stories.

“COME OUT”

By OneTwo, MostHated Ronny, 356 Mirskiee

de s ign by veroni ca mangi ne

smeharbinger.net/category/feature

Feature

photos by clara pet ers, m o l l y m i l l e r, riley scott , will griffi t h & kenna h arrin g t on

THIS ISSUE I N

photos

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 13

HIDDEN

TALENTS S tudent s share their unique ta lent s a nd tricks

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

FLIPPING | CARSON GRAVES

“

WHEN I WAS younger I had a trampoline and after learning a few tricks it just became a hobby of mine. I like pushing myself to learn new tricks and I teach myself everything.

DOLL EYES | ANDI PRENDIVILLE

“

I CAN HOLD one eye shut for a long amount of time without twitching. It doesn’t feel weird, but no one else can do it. My friends call it ‘doll eyes’ because it looks like American Girl Dolls when they flip their eyes.

T O P Junior Joseph Jenkins holds a car tire as junior Sam Day uses an impact wrench to loosen the last few bolts before removing and replacing the tire.

T O P Senior Adam Minto designs a poster for the upcoming canned food drive for Johnson County Christmas Bureau.

B O T T O M Sophomore Millie Byerly observes elements changing colors in a flame during the flame test lab.

photo by clara peters

photo by molly miller

photo by kenna harrington

S YL BRU N D I G E

EMMY SULLIVAN

ALEX TIED T

S E NIO R

S E NIO R

SENIOR

LAST

MINUTE

VISITS

Seniors who visited universities and colleges before their first application deadlines

“

I TOURED [INDIANA]

because it’s a larger school, the sports are good-ish and they have a really good business school. I can see myself there, and I’ve applied.

“

I TOURED MICHIGAN

because my brother goes there and loves it. The campus was incredible, the architecture is amazing and Ann Arbor is the coolest town.

“

I VISITED CURRY College to meet

the soccer coaches in person and watch the team play. I got to get a vibe from the campus and have lunch with the team, which gave me a good feeling about the school.

s to r y by ma g g i e ki s sick d e si g n by kat i e mu r phy

THE HARBINGER

p h o to s by ken n a h a rr ing t on

SHOPLIFTING

* n a me s changed to

S

p ro te ct i de n ti t y

around

ENIOR HARPER STEVENSON* walks to an empty aisle inside to

of

ensure

I spy a gold chain necklace, a pair of Air A fashionable hair clip, a warm winter sl

Ulta. no

Search for riddled items commonlyshoplifted by high schoolers

Looking employees

Teenagers ha v e inc re a s ingly tu r ne d to s hoplifting a s a pa s time w hi

you

want,”

Stevenson

b

Depending on the cost of the merchandise stolen,

ri

me is almost like an easy way

retail theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

is

of getting what [I] want without

According to K.S.A. § 21-5801, if the stolen items are

d

paying for it.”

are

potential legal ramifications.

said. “And so shoplifting for

Shoplifting

increase

Misdemeanor — the highest misdemeanor charge. This

ab

gloss into her Louis Vuitton purse and walks out of the

in recent years — despite the potential legal and

could result in up to a year in prison and fines of up

st

store.

financial consequences, according to the National Retail

to $2500 if convicted. But if the stolen items are worth

th

She doesn’t need the lip gloss — Stevenson will stuff

Federation. In Prairie Village, there were 283 reported

more than $1000, it becomes a felony charge which can

it in her makeup drawer alongside the 10 others just like

theft cases in 2022 — 100 more than there were 10 years

result in 17 months in prison and fines up to $100,000.

it. And she has the money to pay for it, but ever since

ago, according to student resource officer Jeremy Shull.

Despite the risks of shoplifting, 47% of students who

n

she started shoplifting a year ago, the thrill of seeing

In Mission Hills, theft cases doubled from 40 cases in

shoplift aren’t concerned about getting caught, according

g

how much makeup, jewelry or skincare products she can

2021 to 80 cases in 2022.

to an Instagram poll of 67 students.

watching, she shoves a hot pink Fenty Beauty lip

steal without getting caught overrides any desire to pay for the items.

has

valued at less than $1000, it’s classified as a level A

seen

a

notable

Stores across the country lost an estimated $112.1 billion to retail theft in 2022. This number has doubled

“Sometimes I’ll take things and I’ll get home and

since 2019. Retailers in Kansas lost $616 million in

think to myself, ‘Why did I even take this? I don’t need

“I don’t think the workers are getting paid or care enough to stop me,” Stevenson said.

em

stresses that shoplifting charges are serious. Because

to

it,’” Stevenson said. “But it’s just so easy to take things

5-10% of shoplifters are caught, according to the United

theft is considered a crime of dishonesty, getting caught

w

from stores, and I really don’t see that big of a problem

States Department of Justice.

shoplifting can make it more difficult to get a job.

se

d

Stevenson is one of at least 67 other East students who

“borrowing,” sharing tips on the best places to “borrow”

said. “Employers don’t want to hire people with theft

sh

shoplift, according to an Instagram poll of 218 students

from and the best ways to do it. #Borrowingtipsandtricks

charges, so if you want to make yourself unemployable,

sh

and community members. This aligns with a broader

has amassed over eight billion views on TikTok, according

get a theft charge.”

nationwide pattern of teen shoplifting, as approximately

to Insider.

to mental health center Newport Academy.

“Growing up, you can’t always have everything that

shoplifting

Hapem

“Theft crimes look really bad on your record,” Chahine

a quarter of shoplifters are under the age of 18, according

label

attorney

as

with it.”

trends

defense

in

revenue to theft in 2022, according to the NRF. Only

TikTok

criminal

fo

Chahine

Additionally,

Local

H

For sophomore Thomas Miller*, shoplifting is a funny

te

As shoplifting becomes increasingly popular, lawyers,

and entertaining thing to do with his friends. Miller and

co

psychologists and police officers caution that teens

his friends steal from Five Below, and he feels it’s not a

m

should think carefully before stealing, as the still-

bad thing to do because the items are so cheap.

u

developing teenage brain may not fully comprehend the

KLEPTO mania

S ta t i s t i c s f ro m t h e c i t y and Instagram s h o w i n g an i n c re a s e i n s h op l i ft i ng l o cal l y

“I make money, I can afford everything that I take,

283 216 27%

REPORTED SHOPLIFTING INCIDENTS IN PRAIRIE VILLAGE FOR 202 2

10-YEAR AVERAGE PRAIRIE VILLAGE INCIDENT COUNT

55 %

OF EAST STUDENTS SHOPLIFT *in an Instagram poll of 218 OF EAST STUDENTS WHO SHOPLIFT H AV E T H E M O N E Y T O PAY F O R W H AT THEY STEAL *in an Instagram poll of 44

p

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 15

NEWS -FEATURE

An electronic charger, a beaded bracelet, A pair of Nikes, a little lipstick, and a duo of diamond earrings.

rpods, lipper;

i le ov e rlooking the long - te r m re p e rc u s s i o n s a s s o c i a te d w i t h t hei r act i o ns

but we just do it because why not?” Miller said. “It’s

The limbic system, which controls the experience and

any security tags removed so they see I’m around and

isky, which makes it fun. And stealing from [Five Below]

expression of emotions, tends to be more active during

watching,” Mandsager said. “So then I report them to

sn’t that bad because all the stuff is so cheap that if you

adolescence. This can contribute to heightened emotional

[security], and they handle it.”

did get caught, you could just pay [them] back.”

responses and a desire for emotional gratification, which

Similarly, senior Sophie Harris* doesn’t feel bad

bout stealing. Harris and Stevenson both believe that

tealing from large chains like Target isn’t a big deal, as

he chains are already making substantial profits.

may lead to some teenagers engaging in risky behaviors

Target security declined to comment on when they prosecute shoplifters.

like shoplifting.

As of Oct. 1, Target created a new policy stipulating

“I think teenagers just feel invincible,” McConnahay

that the self-checkout is now restricted to customers

said. “Like they have [this] sense that nothing bad is

with 10 items or less. Additionally, womens clothing is

“You’d think that I would feel guilty, but I don’t,”

going to happen. They’re not thinking, ‘What if I get

frequently stolen at Target, according to Mandsager. As

Harris said. “I feel smart. I feel slick. Which is definitely

caught?’ They don’t have that delayed gratification

a response, a majority of the clothing items — whether

not good because I’m gonna get caught one day and it’s

where they’re like, ‘I’m going to save money and work

they are $5 or $40 — have security tags on them.

gonna be really bad.”

to get this.’”

or

Stevenson and Harris even have their own strategies shoplifting.

Stevenson

brings

her

nice

Understanding the true cost of shoplifting is crucial.

This false-security for teenagers is having an effect on

Shoplifting has hidden costs that go far beyond the initial

purses

large retail chains. Target announced it was closing nine

nto stores — Louis Vuitton or Marc Jacobs — so the

stores in New York, California, Oregon and Washington

stolen item’s value, according to Chahine.

“If somebody steals a $20 item, that on average

mployees don’t suspect her of shoplifting. She used

due to theft and organized crime in September of 2023,

will cost them about $850,” Chahine said. “So that’s

o take makeup items out of the packaging when she

according to CNN, and they lost $400 million due to

a big thing that they want to consider when you steal

was stealing them, because she was nervous about the

shoplifting in 2022, according to Insider.

something small. You have restitution, fines, attorneys

ensors going off when she left the store, but now she

To combat this, Target is increasing its anti-theft

doesn’t anymore. Harris steals clothes and jewelry, and

measures according to Target employee and math teacher

fees, community service and you have to do a theft

he usually stashes items in her sleeves or pockets. If

Neeta Mandsager. Since Mandsager began working for

Prairie Village municipal judge and East parent

he’s stealing jewelry, she’ll put it on.

Target in 2022, she noticed that people would often

Michelle DeCicco emphasizes that teenagers who are

defender class. It’s all very expensive.”

The lack of awareness of the risks behind shoplifting in

steal items from the self checkout — acting like they

shoplifting for thrill or amusement have more productive

eenagers can be attributed to the fact that the prefrontal

scanned the items and leaving without paying. Most

ways to spend their time.

ortex — the part of your brain that controls decision-

Target employees can’t stop people from shoplifting due

making and impulse control — isn’t fully developed

to security reasons, according to Mandsager.

until the age of 25, according to child and adolescent

psychologist Kathy McConahay.

* s t u d e n t re s p o n s e s i n a n I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 76 v o t e s

YES NO

83% 17%

“If someone is not scanning their items [at self checkout], all that I can do is ask them if they need

IS SHOPLIFTING BAD?

“Get into therapy, get a job or go into sports,” DeCicco said. “I understand how a child might think ‘Oh, [shoplifting] might be exciting.’ But that’s just such a false impression that they have.”

IF YOU SHOPLIFT, ARE YOU SCARED OF BEING CAUGHT? * s t u d e n t re s p o n s e s i n a n I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 76 v o t e s

YES NO

46%

54%

FIND

HELP ONLINE

Scan to find resources from the Mayo Clinic to cope with kleptomania, break habits and schedule therapy sessions if needed

16 | NOVEMBER 13, 2023

hanging

story b y mar y g a ge n

THE HARBINGER

OUT

d e s ig n b y b ri d ge t co n n e l l y p h o to s c o u r te s y o f eva s m i t h & ce l e s t e m o re h e a d

A erial Ar t s Club let s athlete s share their passion for the spor t

WHILE MOST HIGH schoolers are playing soccer or

founded the Aerial Arts Club this year. At meetings in Room

basketball, aerial artists are flying, falling and flipping at

524, members stretch and share their questions or concerns

local aerial arts studios, Learning2Fly and KC Aerial Arts.

relating to their aerial routines to help each other improve.

Junior Eva Smith and sophomore Celeste Morehead can

According to Smith, going over difficult parts of a routine

be found practicing death drops — spinning towards the

with other people can help reduce mental blocks.

ground — or illusion beats to a back hip circle transition,

“I love being able to help younger aerialists and be the mentor for them that people at my studio have been for me,”

gracefully moving around a large hoop called a lyra.

In order to unite aerialists at East, Smith and Morehead

Smith said. “I wanted to provide a space for aerialists here at East.”

smith

EVA

5001 W 117th St.

KC AERIAL ARTS Leawood, KS 66211

AS SHE SPUN on her lyra for the last time with her best

the studio.”

friend, Cassie Stevens at KCA in May, Smith felt the tears

When then-10-year-old Smith broke her big toe, she

start flowing. After getting so close in only a year, she

knew she no longer wanted to do gymnastics, but she still

wasn’t prepared to say goodbye as Stevens prepared to leave

wanted the sensation of flying and climbing that came with

for college.

her competition team. That’s when aerial arts came into the

In that moment, Smith realized she wanted to be the role

picture.

model for others — just like Cassie was for her, by pushing

According to Smith, creating a community at East for

her to be better. Over six years, Smith has grown in her sport

a sport that most people aren’t aware of was important to

by practicing five and a half to seven hours a week.

her, so she sought to provide a space for people in similar

“We can’t [raise our apparatus] at school because the

situations to grow together as athletes.

school would be liable,” Smith said. “But the goal is for

“I love getting to perform,” Smith said. “It’s a special

aerialists to have a place at school where they can talk about

opportunity, since most aerial artists don’t. This sport

certain difficulties, such as the physical strain outside of

definitely means a lot to me.”

morehead

CELESTE

56336 Johnson Drive

LEARNING2FLY Mission, KS 66202

THE SENSATION OF being in the air — despite the silks

According to Morehead, participating in aerial silks has

holding her up — gave her the feeling of flight when she

given her a confidence boost, both in and out of the studio.

perfected her knee drop. She twisted in the air, ending in an

She says learning new skills and executing them always

immediate stop as she caught herself with her knees.

makes her feel better and more accomplished.

Starting at 7 years old, Morehead knew she loved climbing.

“I definitely am more confident,” Morehead said. “I feel

Whether it was gymnastics or rock climbing, something

better when I do silks because of the physical activity and

about being up in the air made her feel alive.

the sense of accomplishment.”

Despite the pain of the silks tightening on her and fear of

Morehead encourages people interested in silks to sign up for a class, even if they’ve never tried it before.

falling, Morehead persisted.

“It was scary when I was first learning, but it’s not

“I definitely think people should just start coming to

anymore,” Morehead said. “I put a lot of trust in the silks.

classes,” Morehead said. “It’s a lot of fun, even if you think

Even if you don’t catch yourself doing something, the silks

you aren’t strong enough. Just come to the class, and you

will still catch you.”

might surprise yourself.”

learn Sign up to learn

ho w to d o aer i al

SCAN ME LESSONS Sign up for beginner lessons at KCA. Must be 13+

SCAN ME LESSONS Sign up for beginner lessons at Learning2Fly

stor y by lyla wee ks

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 17

THE HARBINGER

de s i g n by aanya bans al p h o tos co ur te s y o f caden c ros bie

AU REVOIR KANSAS S ophomore Ca d e n C ro s b i e a t te n d s b o a rd i ng scho o l i n S w i t zer l and and t ravel s aro u nd E u rope d u r i n g w e e ke n d s

S

ITTING IN HER bedroom, then-

Crosbie narrowed her list of schools down

“She told us she was accepted and we

freshman Caden Crosbie opens her

to Collège Alpin Beau Soleil in Villars-sur-

didn’t really think about it at first and spent

“Some trips are paid for by the school, but

Notes app — a list of two boarding

Ollon and Leysin American School. Ultimately,

the whole summer with her,” Hawes said. “I

we have to pay extra if we want to do different

schools in Europe stares back at her.

Crosbie decided to attend Leysin American

don’t think it really became reality to any of

activities,” Crosbie said.

From the rolling mountains of the Alps,

School because of the lenient rules and safety

us until August.”

peaked with snow, to the bustling chatter of

of the town.

places like France, Spain and Austria.

On weekends, the students are granted

Hand-written letters from her friends

overnight or day travel if grades permit, and

the foreign cities surrounding, she has always

She spent weeks getting in touch with the

were scattered over Crosbie’s bed as she said

Crosbie has seen the neighboring countries

dreamed of living in Europe because of its

admissions office, paying the $3,000 fee to

her final goodbyes to her best friends with

with her new friends. Through this, she’s

beauty.

apply, taking placement tests, writing essays

tears in her eyes.

created some of the best memories she’s

Looking back at her freshman year at

and getting a student visa. All her hard work

“I wrote her a handwritten letter that was

East, now sophomore Crosbie realizes that

paid off when she received a letter in the

three pages long, and it was about her and

she craved more cultural experiences and

mail with the word “accepted” starting the

our friendship,” Hawes said. “I think for like

“Paris has been my favorite place so far,”

memories.

sentence.

an hour we cried and hugged each other in

Crosbie said. “We took a boat tour around

our arms.”

the River Seine and my friends and I went

she

“Early one morning in June, my mom

researched about a country that has always

woke me up to tell me I’d been accepted into

interested

of

both of the schools I applied to,” Crosbie said.

Switzerland,

Europe’s most iconic countries of France,

“I was really scared because I didn’t know

abroad, meeting friends from all over the

Austria and Germany, was Switzerland —

anyone over there, but overall was excited

globe and waking up to views of the Swiss

home

since I loved the country so much.”

Alps.

Needing

of

a her.

the

change

from

Sitting

most

Kansas,

between

prestigious

some

boarding

A day later, Crosbie landed in Leysin, and

began

her

school

year

ever experienced in places like Germany and Montreux, Switzerland.

shopping. We kept on saying one more store, and by the time the day was over, we could barely fit the bags in the car.”

Spending her sophomore year in the land of fondue has expanded her love for seeing

schools in the world and phenomenal skiing

Her next step was telling her friends that

opportunities — a sport she’s been in love

she was accepted and planned to move later

International

with since age four.

that summer, which according to Crosbie was

Crosbie has adjusted to her new lifestyle

one of the hardest steps yet. One of Crosbie’s

well. Crosbie is currently learning French and

“I love Switzerland because it’s so beautiful

she was going to spend her sophomore year,

best

continuing Spanish. She enjoys immersing

here, and the weather is always nice,” Crosbie

and she booked her flight to her new home

didn’t believe Crosbie at first, and it wasn’t

herself in the culture everyday.

said. “I love skiing too and can’t wait to do

on Aug. 29.

until her final days in Prairie Village that the

It was that moment when she knew where

friends,

sophomore

actuality set in.

ON THE MAP

Margot

Hawes,

From Honors level classes at East, to Baccalaureate

education,

A few times each semester, Leysin students travel on culture trips, and Crosbie explored

the world to a whole other level, and she looks forward to exploring the rest of the continent with the freedoms from her new school.

so. It’s a really safe city and really close to other countries I love to visit as well.”

Locat i o n s C ro s b i e h a s v i s i te d d u r i n g h e r t i m e in Europe with photos that she to o k w it h inf or m ati o n ab o u t h e r stu dy ab ro ad program

PORTUGAL

Founded by a family of educators in 1961

FRANCE

PARIS, FRANCE

Over 300 students across the world attend SPAIN MARBELLA, SPAIN

Students can participate in recreational and competitive skiing through the school’s ski program

SWITZERLAND

LEYSIN, SWITZERLAND

S t e p h a n i e W a r d e n DDS 2200 West 75th Street Prairie Village / Kansas 66208 stephanie@wardendds.com P 913.825.2500 / F 913.825.2501

S C A N F OR F U L L L IST OF SE RVIC E S

de s i g n by r i l ey scott

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 19

THE HARBINGER

HALLO- !rings

SCAN ME GALLERY Scan this QR code to view more about this event

Orche stra held a pop-up Halloween concer t for st ud ent s d ur i ng se mina r on Tu e sda y, Oc t . 3 1

ABOVE All of the orchestra members participating in the performace sit in a circle while spectators surround them.

Sophomore Nithmi Walpitage said, “My favorite part was playing with my friends that are in different hours.” photo by mason sajna

A B O V E Junior Remi Lee reads a spooky story they wrote during the middle of the performance. photo by mason sajna R I G H T Members of orchestra light up their sheets of music with their phone flashlights. The lights were turned off to bring greater attention to the Halloween lights hanging around the ceiling. photo by mason sajna

A B O V E Senior Reid Welsh plays the cello during the concert. The performance was during seminar, so only students and teachers had access to it. “It was fun to finally play for an audience that wasn’t super official,” Welsh said. photo by mason sajna L E F T Freshman Addison Pond looks at her sheet music while playing the violin. photo by mason sajna

20 | NOVEMBER 13, 2023

A & E...

de s ig n by so ph i a bro c kme i e r ph o to s co ur te s y o f imdb, ma so n s an ja & zi n e c l u b 7 p.m.

N O V. 2 9

7 p.m.

DEC. 1

NHS ceremony

MORP school dance

UPCOMING EVENT Mark your calendars

smeharbinger.net/category/a&e

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

WATCH OUT

Zine Club makes miniature magazines and sells them at fairs on the weekends

“

Several floats to look out for in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on Nov. 17

A ZINE IS

pretty much a mini magazine. You take a regular piece of paper and fold it and cut it up this certain way and it makes a little book and then you can put whatever you want on it. I love creating art, but I often struggle with finding ways to express it.

Making zines just feels really easy, and I really love doing it. can put all the creative ideas in my head into a physical piece of art.

ACORN

15 million real acorns would fit inside introduced in 2021

BLUEY

7 bicycles long Australian TV show Hand-painted

NATAL I E JO N ES SOPHOMORE

A B O V E The Lawrence Art Fair showcased many artists, including the zine club, with various mediums of art

ABOVE The zine machine dispenses zines in the art gallery

T O P Sophomores Audrey Harbert and Lucy Brooks sell zines at the Lawrence Print Fair on Oct. 25.

B O T T O M Several zines that were sold at the fair made by zine club members.

ICE CREAM CONE 3 stories tall 3 taxi cabs wide made in 2019

THANKSGIVING RELEASES New movies to watch this Thanksgiving on Nov. 23

THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES

Length:

2 hr 45 min

Where: Theaters

Genre: Action

ARE YOU PLANNING ON WATCHING THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 4 7 v o t e s

YES NO

44% 56%

NEXT GOAL WINS

Length:

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER

Length:

1 hr 37 min

1 hr 31 min

Theaters

Theaters

Where:

Genre: Drama

Where:

Genre:

Adventure

s tor y by l arki n brund i ge

d e si g n by sydney ec k

p h o to s by g reyson i mm

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 21

THE HARBINGER

ROOTED IN KC

WHILE TAKING A trip to a museum seems more like an elementary school field trip than a Saturday afternoon activity, I’ve found one that’s worth giving up a few hours of my shopping at Target. At Gladstone Blvd in Downtown KC lies the Kansas City Museum — a four-floor, 70-room mansion compiled

with artifacts owned by Robert Alexander Long

FIRST FLOOR

— the president of the Long-Bell Lumber company of KC and his wife Ella Long.

After entering through the free general admission, I was greeted by a woman at the front desk and given a brief description of what I’d find on each floor. The first floor contains the home’s history so I grabbed a map and embarked on my tour of all four floors.

SECOND FLOOR

The K ansas Cit y Museum displays four f loors of exhibit s on local history for fre e in Corinthia n Ha ll

THIRD FLOOR

DOWNSTAIRS

seat theater showcasing films that go into

walked down the stairs and the cafe

detail about the history of the house and

Elixir was blocked off with a sign that

the family. This broke up my 30-minute

said it would be opening later this

walk through the museum and allowed

year. It’ll serve baked goods, juice,

me to sit and listen to information rather

coffee

than standing and reading as I did in other

those doors open, I’ll be the first one

sections.

in line.

ON THE THIRD floor, there’s a 42-

I WAS UNDERWHELMED when I

and

sandwiches.

Whenever

Walking into one of the three galleries

But I kept walking and saw the

I STARED IN awe at the gold detailing

WHILE MAKING MY way up to the second floor,

on this floor, a ‘70s tune was playing. The

game room — the most intriguing

running

white-and-beige

I was surprised to walk into a room filled with KC

walls were covered in bands and artists

part of this floor. A pool table, chess

walls while wandering and reading the

history. I thought the museum would mainly be

from that decade like the Grateful Dead,

and checkers were laid out in the

descriptions of the original furniture

about the history of the mansion — I was pleasantly

The Beatles and Stevie Wonder.

completely wooden room for guests to

in the four rooms, including a tea set

surprised to see I was wrong. Only the first floor

I stood in this room for at least five

play. I deeply appreciated this room

that was purchased in 1910 during the

is directly related to the original house, while the

minutes — an extended amount of time

which shifts your attention to a game

family’s Grand Tour of Europe.

other three floors offered historical exhibits about

compared to my brisk two minute walk

and gives you the chance to focus on

the city, which was a good balance of content and

through the other three galleries. The

something else — and I could show

offered something for all visitors.

music drew me in along with the neon

my friends up at pool after a long day

colors popping from the wall.

at the museum.

It

felt

over

like

the

walking

through

the

original home — the mirrors still on the wall, an original tapestry hanging

There wasn’t an end to the amount of artifacts

up and rustic light fixtures. It was as if

ranging from school spirit wear to a jukebox. This

nothing had moved over time.

made the information feel more personal by seeing

The center of the first floor was my favorite part — a grand marble staircase

pieces once owned by KC residents.

The

diversity

of

history

was

well

executed

leading to windows of stained glass with

including full exhibits on LGBTQ+ pride, immigration

a view overlooking the city. My eyes

and segregation in KC. A good museum includes all

were drawn to the windows, which were

sides of the story, and the KC Museum accomplished

decorated in shades of dark brown and

this with inclusion and diversity in stories.

green leaves.

OVERALL

MUSEUMS HOLD A a reputation of being bland, but the Kansas City Museum broke that standard. With the change of exhibitions on each floor, I was fully engaged and eager to see what the next room held. It gave me an unbiased view and a variety of historical perspectives of KC that I haven’t experienced anywhere else.

A LOOK INSIDE

A r t i f a c t s l o c a ted o n t h e f i rs t a nd second floor

A B O V E Located on the first floor is a restored trapestry from the original dinning room showcasing the greek god of winemaking, Dionysus.

A B O V E Located in the living room on the first floor is a custom piano gifted to the Long family in 1910.

A B O V E The second floor currently includes an exhibit of St. Joseph Hospital Collection which includes objects showcases the medical past of the hospital.

22 | NOVEMBER 13, 2023

story b y so ph i a bro c kme i e r

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y e mme rs o n wi n f rey p h o to s c o u r te s y o f IM D B

A GUTSY WATCH “K illers of the Flower Moon” was underwhelming, as the plot was stereot ypical and the scene s were exce ssively graphic who abused the Osage Native Americans for their money.

Excessive

N

OT

EVEN

violence

in

the

movie

Sticking by the classic harmony-to-

a theme for “Killers of the Flower Moon”

tragedy blueprint, the directors didn’t

— wolves, or people, can hide in plain

even

sight.

try

to

differentiate

themselves

distracts from its message. Within the

from other Hollywood movies. There’s

first 15 minutes, the characters plot the

four stereotypical court scenes and three

“wolves”

murders of all the other side characters

classic doctor’s office examination room

the

that haven’t even hit the screen yet.

scenes.

unnoticed for the majority of the time.

After

THE most

hearing

hair

scraped

off

a

One hour into the three hour long

yet

were

animals

their

the

—

actions

in

went

I appreciated this small allusion to the

the

Osage Native American children’s book

haunted

off another body like spaghetti sauce

cardinal rule of Cinemark: no devices.

that could have been followed throughout

gruesome

dripping off a spatula, I started to

As the flow of “Killers of the Flower

the

have

wonder if IMDB mis-categorized the

Moon” slowed down to a snail’s pace I

chose to distract the viewers with so

could

breaking

Hale

movie,

scrape

myself

town,

and savage

body with a saw or seeing flesh ooze

or

found

—

realistic

house

I

Burkhardt

movie.

However,

the

directors

the

movie as a “drama” film instead of

couldn’t take it anymore: I checked my

many other small details like doctor’s

scenes

that

“Killers

“horror” one. The R rating didn’t even

phone every 30 minutes and groaned as I

prescriptions or meal plans that I lost

of

Flower

Moon”

prepare me for the gore.

noticed I still had more time left.

track of this concept by the conclusion.

prepared the

me

for

Burkhardt

brought.

“Killers of the Flower

meets

his

future

wife

To

complement of

the

slow

pace,

Finally, at the end of a three-hour

Moon”

had

saga of blood and guts, I prepared myself

Mollie Kyle played by Lily Gladstone 30

“Killers

the

Flower scenes

and

themes.

For

bloody

minutes into the movie — way too late

under-developed

difficult

for a pathetic attempt at tying all the

nightmare, released on Oct.

to introduce a key character in the plot.

to

example,

pieces together in a movie finale. To my

20, and was directed by Dan

Burkhardt, who works as a horse-drawn

the delivery of the theme of the movie

surprise, I enjoyed the ending — a twist

Friedkin and Bradley Thomas. It’s

carriage driver, picks up Kyle in the

wasn’t even clear.

on my perception of how the story was

overall underwhelming with no storyline

town square to drive her to her home.

Sitting in his candle-lit bedroom,

creativity or sensitivity for viewers.

Although this was likely the norm in

Burkhardt reads aloud from an Osage

The film, based on a non-fiction

the 1920s, I still wasn’t pleased with the

Native American children’s book:

book, focuses on the lives of main

unromantic setting of this scene: horse-

Do you see the wolves in this picture?

outcomes, the directors chose to tell it

character

Ernest

Burkhardt

his

poop-filled streets and violent bars —

Burkhardt laughs as the wolves are

through a late night horror TV show skit

wealthy

uncle,

William

Hale

not the ideal situation to meet the love

clearly standing in the middle of a grassy

complete with a band — one of the few

of your life.

meadow.

moments that redeemed the otherwise

Moon”

aka

a

and

King

— played by Robert De Niro — as

To

they manipulate the Osage Native Americans money

to

obtain

wealth

their

in

oil

1920’s

top

off

an

already

beginning,

the

two

relationship

hating

lackluster

began

each

other

expose

the

white

men

beginning

like

Though the directors likely hoped viewers would be pondering the theme

quiet mumbles and the book.

for

every

other film.

I had to do further research after the film to find that this scene also serves as

OIL BREAKDOWN A t i m e l i n e o f the Osage Tribe and oil discovery on their land

1896 1872

Commercial oil development begins on the land

The Osage tribe buys 1.47 million acres from the Cherokee Nation

1903

1897

basic storyline for me.

verbal connection between Burkhardt’s

a

cookie-cutter

The viewer isn’t given long enough

and

slowly started to fall in love — following

to

Instead of lazily throwing text on a black screen to reveal the character’s

to look at the picture to form a visual-

Flower

seeks

told.

their

Oklahoma. “Killers of the Moon”

understand

Congress approves pipeline construction in Indian Territory 1929

The first successful well in the Osage country was completed

1916

days

after,

I

couldn’t

get

over

their unoriginal and ridiculously gory storytelling.

William Hale was sentenced to prison for the killing of an Osage tribal member

Oil-lease auctions started to be held at ‘The Million Dollar Elm’ tree

“

w an d w th in

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Sports

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24 | NOVEMBER 13, 2023

smeharbinger.net/category/sports

13

3 p.m.

NOVEMBER

W i n t e r S p o r t s Tr y o u t s @ S M E

14

3 p.m.

NOVEMBER

W i n t e r S p o r t s Tr y o u t s @ S M E

15

NOVEMBER

individual finish, for a final team score

third and the boys team placed eighth

of 103 points. Junior Jack Broghammer

during the 6A state cross country

led the boys team with a 29th place

championship meet at Rim Rock Farm

individual finish for a final team score

photo by amelie wong

on Oct. 28. Senior Lida Padgett led

of 199 points.

the girls team with an eighth place

ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THE WINTER SPORTS SEASON?

* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 1 6 v o t e s

76%

YES NO

24%

player review Varsit y S occer play e r a n d s e n i o r B e c k R e t te n m a i e r ’s v i e w o f the Oct . 3 1 g ame a nd how t he tea m ha nd l ed t he l o s s

B E C K R E T TE N M A I E R VA R S I T Y C A P TA I N

“

EVEN THOUGH WE lost, it was a big game. It could’ve

ended better, but I’m glad we went out the way we did.

Everybody really stepped in, even the bench players when their names were called, which was really good.

3 p.m.

W i n t e r S p o r t s Tr y o u t s @ S M E

THE GIRLS cross country team placed

A ru ndow n of t he Oct . 2 8 sta te cross country me e t

a y le f t

1

Ma r k y o ur calendars for the se

R I G H T Senior Lida Padgett makes her way through the bridge as she passes the two-mile mark. This was Padgett’s last cross country meet of her high school career.

“One of my favorite memories is hanging out with my teammates outside of practice,” Padgett said. “ You see each other at your worst and [I think] that builds the best friendships.” Padgett had a time of 18:51.8.

meet recap

d e s ig n b y i s a b e l b a l d a s s a ro

B O T T O M L E F T Junior Jack Broghammer collapses after crossing the finish line. “At the end [of the race] I’d passed a couple guys, and I was just so exhausted that I had to collapse at the line,” Broghammer said. He had a time of 16:2 9.3. photo by amelie wong B O T T O M R I G H T Sophomore Catherine Beltrame celebrates with her team after they find out East placed third overall. “I was pretty surprised with the results,” Beltrame said. “I didn’t think I did my best in that race, but when I saw the rest of my team celebrating I got really excited.” photo by amelie wong

winter tryouts

countdown UPCOMING EVENTS

16

NOVEMBER

3 p.m.

W i n t e r S p o r t s Tr y o u t s @ S M E

s tor y by li bby marsh

d e si g n by zane l ai ng p h o to s by ma g g i e condon

I

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 25

BREAKING POINT THE HARBINGER

T h e m e n ta l an d p h y si cal to l l a st re ss fract ure can generate fo r a cro ss cou ntry c ompe titor N MY HEAD there’s a different version of me.

a fracture here…” Yeah no kidding, I saw it 10 minutes

That’s

A different, invincible athlete. One that doesn’t

ago. I’m mad. Mad at myself. Why is this happening? Why

Competing,

know what Biofreeze is, how to find a stress

me? Why can’t my body handle it?

failing, but not being in excruciating

fracture on an X-ray or how to decipher an MRI

scan.

Someone who got to finish her freshman season of cross country and didn’t have to try and hide a limp

He tells me I have two options: stop running

what

sports

should

succeeding

—

be.

maybe

pain the whole time. There’s a line between

and start physical therapy or keep training. The risk

being sore and being in pain. I love my sport

of it getting worse is low but I’ll be in pain and my

but there comes a time when it’s not worth

performance will go down.

it. But I clearly didn’t learn that during

during track. She wasn’t unevenly walking around the

If I stop, it means spending every day cooped up

Rim Rock cross country course during the league meet

inside, in a boot. I can’t see my friends as often, I can’t

After track season a visit to the

to support her team — she was running it.

compete. But if I keep going, what if things get worse?

doctor, two x-rays and three MRI

I’m in so much pain and I want to stop and I don’t all

scans confirmed that I’d spent the

at the same time.

past season running on not one, but

That girl isn’t me. I’ve had three stress fractures in

“

my legs in the span of a year. I know far too well how

to numb the pain of injuries, how to limp through the last couple of weeks of a season.

If I just stopped running that would fix all my problems... but I can’t.

I need to run. If I’ve had a hard day, at least I have practice after school to forget about it. The feeling of

pushing my body to its limit drowns out everything else and I can just run.

I NEED TO RUN.

If I’ve had a hard day, at least I have practice after school to forget about it. The feeling of pushing my body to the limit drowns out everything else.

It’s not always fun, it’s not always easy. But it’s the

that make it all worth it.

That’s why I ignore the pain shooting up my legs

two stress fractures. My left shin was re-fractured, my right foot was also fractured and had a bone bruise. All at once. And I thought one fracture, seven months ago, was bad enough.

Medical

scans.

Boot.

Physical

therapy. Repeat.

Now I’ve learned my lesson. When something

hurts,

acknowledge

it.

I

can’t cover it up with Biofreeze or KT-

daily run debriefs with my friends saying, “OK you get the first two miles to rant and I get the second two,”

cross country.

So of course I go with the “smart” option. I don’t

stop. I keep running, even though my bones are literally breaking and I can barely walk without pain.

tape or sneak ice packs so no one sees how much pain I’m in.

It hurts, losing progress. Knowing

with every step during cross country season. That’s

Two weeks. That’s how long I last before I can’t

that after recovery I won’t be as strong

why I tell myself it’s just shin splints and I need to

handle the pain anymore. I stop running and start

or as fast. After my second round of

suck it up. That’s why I use an obsessive amount of

physical therapy. My left leg is nearly healed but for

recovery — through this cross country

Biofreeze to numb my legs, take ibuprofen in math

fear that the right might be broken as well I get a boot,

season — I’ve improved cutting minutes

class and wear gray compression sleeves from my dad.

meaning six weeks of hobbling around school and

of my time but I can’t help but compare

If I don’t talk about it, if I don’t acknowledge the fact

excruciating physical therapy sessions until my legs

myself to where I would have been without

that I’m injured, it’s not real — I can keep running,

shake. Finally, I’m cleared to run again. I’m healed.

the injury.

My bright orange racing spikes pound the blue,

Sure maybe I cut off over a minute from my

It’s nearing the end of my freshman cross country

slanted track during an offseason meet. I pass another

time last race, but the other girl — the version of

season. I sit on the exam table in room 6 in the doctors’

girl and another keeping a close eye on the clock after

me that never got injured — would be running 4

office. The lights are off and a black-and-white X-ray

every lap.

minutes faster.

keep improving.

of my left shin shines from the old computer screen.

After I cross the finish line I step off the track

Please don’t let there be a fracture. Don’t let it be bad.

attempting to stay up right and give the girl next to

I’m not her. If I can handle three fractures,

I’m jealous of her but I’m also stronger because

My doctor moves the picture down and my eyes trail

me a high five. My vision is blurry and white and my

a half hour of physical therapy a day and

along my tibia — I see it before he does.

breath comes out in short gasps. But it doesn’t matter

excruciating strength training, I can

No. It’s not real. I was going to cry.

that I can’t breathe or my legs feel like jello. I just

definitely

Finally he sees it — the small bump on the bone

destroyed my time goal by 22 seconds. My parents, my

repeats and 10-mile long runs.

indicating a healing fracture. “So, it looks like there’s

EFFECTIVE ALLEVIATORS A few to o l s t h a t h e l p e d L i b b y th rough her s t re s s f rac tu re

pull

myself

through

1K

coach and my friend all rush over, giving me hugs.

IBUPROFEN Taken before every run or race to reduce inflammation caused by shin splints and to overall reduce pain.

BIOFREEZE Helps to numb area where applied, making the pain less apparent.

COMPRESSION SLEEVE Provides blood flow throughout the lower leg to lessen pain and help speed up the recovery.

26 | NOVEMBER 13, 2023

story b y greyso n i mm

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y kat i e mu rp hy

A “SERIOUS” PROJECT

p h o to s c o u r te s y o f p ro j e c t f c

A g ro u p o f s e n i o rs f o r m e d Pro j e c t FC re c reational soccer team to create a

H

l o we r- p re s s u re , f u n en viro n m e n t to pl a y soc c er i n duri n g sen i or y ea r EY, WHAT ABOUT a rec soccer

was ready to go for their first game of the

team?”

season. During the team’s season opener

Over

the

summer,

seniors

against the Dodging Coeds, they won 10-0.

Ryder Hendon, Syl Brundige and

The highlight of the game was senior Charlie

around 10 of their friends were brainstorming

Muehlberger’s headfirst slide into the ball to

ideas of how to enjoy their senior year between

knock it into the goal, which Shari compared

the stress of college applications and senior

to a cue stick hitting a billiards ball.

papers when someone threw out the idea of

Two months, five games, a few casual

a recreational soccer team. Most of the group

practices at the Indian Hills soccer field and

had either played soccer before or are current

a handful of orange slices later, the team

soccer players, so they knew they could all

had reached their last game of the season —

enjoyed the sport and pull off some wins.

or games, rather. They had a doubleheader

Thus, Project FC was born.

scheduled for Oct. 28. The only problem? It

The friends formed the coed, recreational

was below freezing and rainy for both games.

soccer team as a fun and low-pressure team

On Friday night, Hank was nervously

intentionally without the rigors of club and

tracking the storm by refreshing his weather

school soccer that so many are used to.

app every five minutes and saw that it was

They had the players — the entire friend

being forecasted earlier and earlier until he

the team was soaking wet, shivering and

group, plus Ryder’s sophomore brother Hank

was almost positive the game would be rained

down half a team. They were seriously

and his friend sophomore Barrett Tegtmeier —

out the next morning. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

starting to doubt if they were going to

but the paperwork provided by the Brookside

“It was super cold and wet [during] the

be able to play when they saw them

Recreational Soccer League required one more

first game, just nonstop rain,” Hank said.

It was looking good for Project FC, and

thing: a coach.

Syl’s mom Shari Brundige was the perfect

most

members

candidate. She supported Syl through youth

and

messing

were

making

a beacon of hope — the Dodging Coeds.

jokes

The Dodging Coeds were in a similar

bitter

situation. Half of their team didn’t show

soccer more than 10 years prior, so when

cold. Syl took advantage of the rain, and

up because they too thought the game

he asked her, it fondly reminded her of his

commemorated every goal with a celebratory

would be rained out. So after talking

soccer days in elementary school. But after six

20-yard slide across the slippery turf field.

with them and their coach for a few

years of playing on club soccer teams, Syl got

After four more goals — and four more slides

minutes, Project FC took on the Dodging

burnt out due to tough coaches and rigorous,

— the team managed to pull off the win in

Coeds as part of their team.

demanding schedules and eventually quit.

tough conditions.

around

still

shuffling off the neighboring field, like

despite

the

“It would have been the perfect

So when he went up to her and asked if

“It was like 20º and it was raining, so

movie ending had we not lost that game

she would coach the team, it was a no-brainer

everybody was freezing, I couldn’t even feel

by one point,” Hank said. “It was really

for Shari.

my hands at all,” Barrett said. “But it still was

close all the way through.”

“When he was three and started playing,

super fun.”

The team ended with a 4-0-1 record, and

soccer was all he thought about and he could

But after sprinting around the soggy field

even though the doubleheader was the last

not wait for [his game on] Saturday, and if

in the freezing cold, seven of the players

game of their season, Project FC is far from

it was raining and it got canceled, he would

couldn’t take it anymore and left. They were

being finished. The team is already talking to

just cry,” Shari said. “It was kind of like this

positive the second game would be canceled

Shari about playing in a spring soccer league,

full-circle thing, coming back his senior year.

due to the weather. Another spoiler alert: it

and some of the players are trying to form

Like that little boy playing soccer again, he

still wasn’t.

a recreational basketball team for the winter

“It felt like the coldest I’ve ever been,”

had that enthusiasm for Saturday like he did

senior Drew Trucksess said.

when he was a little kid.”

Now with a coach and players, Project FC

Fact s a b o u t t h e Pro j e c t FC c l u b te a m forme d b y s e n i o rs a t te m p t i n g to h a v e a f i n a l s o c c e r h u r ra h

By the time the second game rolled around,

ALMOST PRO

STATS

post-game orange slices.

“It was a lot of fun despite the fact that it wasn’t as competitive,” senior Ben Hembree said. “Because coming from a constantly competitive

environment

in

high

school

soccer, it’s kind of a relief that you’re able to be yourself and do what you want.”

season. Either way, the team will continue making memories together with or without personalized celebrations and mountains of

season 4 wins highest junior total 0 draws hank hendon record: practices: 2 scorer: 1 loss

13 goals

Fre s h m a n He n r y Ma r i e n - B ro v o n t b a l a n c e s bei n g a v a rs i t y c ro s s c o u n t r y r u n n e r w h i l e prim a r i l y f o c u s i n g o n s o c c e r d u r i n g t h e f a l l season

SPIKES?

photo by kenna harrington

photo by mason sajna

Scan this QR code to view more pictures of Marien-Brovont

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | 27

RIGHT MarienBrovont juggles a soccer ball. “ Three other freshman were on JV with me,” MarienBrovont said.

“I ended up scoring five goals for the season which is pretty good.

The team was very good as well.”

L E F T Freshman Henry MarienBrovont leads a group of runners at cross country state. “As soccer ended, I had about two weeks of practice at the end of the season to get ready for state,” MarienBrovont said. “I was given the opportunity to do running because usually you have to attend a certain amount of practices, but I was allowed just to run the pace.”

SCAN ME PHOTO

CLEATS OR THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by ken n a h arring t on

L E F T Marein-Brovont kicks the ball towards the goal while practicing soccer. “ The feeling of winning is really good, which is what got me hooked on cross country in eighth grade when I won districts,” Marien-Brovont said. “But soccer is my primary sport, and I just love scoring.” photo by kenna harrington

RIGHT Cross country and soccer medals from winning races and tournaments sit in an arrangement.

“I love soccer, and I’ve played my whole life,” MarienBrovont said.

“I’ve been on some high level teams, and I love traveling.

We’ve been to Illinois and Florida for tournaments.” photo by kenna harrington

28 | NOVEMBER 13 2023

p h o to s b y c a ro l i n e ma r t u cc i

THE HARBINGER

de sig n b y ve ro n i c a man gi n e

COMPETING FOR A CAUSE

c o p y b y a a nya b a n s a l

A n o v erv i e w o f th re e p a i r i n g s f o r t hi s y ear ’s cl ub co m p et i t i o n to i ncrease d o nat i o ns fo r the Johnson Cou nt y Christma s Bu re a u c a n driv e

“

NOT ONLY IS

the can drive supporting a good cause, but the band is just better than the orchestra, and we really want to prove that in one way or another.

C H A R LI E M U E H LB E RG E R S E NI OR

D RUM MA J OR

BAND VS ORCHESTRA

“

WE’RE THE ONLY

two instrumental classes, so there’s always competition between which one’s better, who’s better, who sounds better, who’s cooler? It’s all pretty irrelevant, but it makes for fun competition.

OSCA R CU RC HIN S E N IO R VIOLINIST

GET INVOLVED JOHNSON COUNTY CHRISTMAS BUREAU VOLUNTEER Scan this QR code to sign up for volunteering opportunities

Help out the JCCB

9503 JOHNSON DR, MERRIAM, KS, 66203

DONATE Scan this QR code to donate to the JCCB

SHARE VS

“

PEP CLUB

WE’RE GOING TO

“

take all the cereal boxes that we raised from the dodgeball tournament and put them on our table to have way more than Pep Club.

We’re going to win.

Club to beat SHARE in the can drive because SHARE’s whole thing is community service.

It would be kind of funny to beat them at their own game.

BL AK E H AN SO N S E NIO R SHA RE E XE C

CAROLINE REISER SENIOR PEP EX EC

**Turn to page 6 to view photos from the SHARE-hosted Dodgeball Event

“

I WANT PEP

CHOIR IS SUCH

a good community where people really bond and make great friends. We deserve to win and get more recognition.

AU DREY AP P RI L L S E NIO R A LTO

CHOIR

“

VS THEATRE

I’M IN BOTH

theatre and choir, but theatre is my life because you can take singing [in choir], but you can also take singing to the stage and do a lot more with it through theatre.

APOLLO WEBER JUNIOR CR EW CHIEF