Issue 5 (October 31, 2016)

O C T. 3 1 , 2 0 1 6 VO L. LI X

the harbinger

ISSUE 5

S H AW N E E M I S S I O N E A S T H I G H S C H O O L 7500 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208

pack & gown

Of the students who graduate from East, 21% will have smoked a cigarette.* And while the trend of teen smoking has decreased nationally, East’s only grows.

PAGES 15 & 16 *poll based on a survey of 410 East students

PEEK INSIDE: FRESHMAN MODELS PAGE 18 MCCLAIN’S REVIEW PAGE 24 SPORTS 360 PAGE 27

EDITORIAL

HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT 11

0

FOR

This year’s election is unprecedented.

With two candidates who Americans either adamantly love or abominably hate, the polarization of our country is reaching new heights. The Harbinger recognizes why Americans may not trust Hillary Clinton, or why they may be convinced that Donald Trump will “make America great again.” But we firmly believe that Clinton is the best candidate for the president of the United States.

Clinton has built herself the ideal resume for a soon-to-be President of the United States.

Her position as Secretary of State, her time as the First Lady and her history as a U.S. Senator all combine to form someone bursting with experience. We can’t see how Trump could do a better job as president given his experience – or lack thereof.

Clinton’s unquantifiable experience becomes most evident in her concrete plans for things like immigration and her pathway to citizenship program or her tax reform policy. She’s got real plans for her first 100 days as president, including a nearly $300 billion infrastructure plan which she sees as an investment in job growth and a constitutional amendment to overrule the Supreme Court’s ruling on minimum wage.

Clinton’s opponent lacks the necessary experience and willingness to compromise that is required to eliminate the gridlock that exists today. Trump’s reckless behavior and big mouth will only serve to further divide our country. We need to be making allies, not enemies. We need to be compromising, not fighting. And Clinton has the experience to do

Although controversial, the Harbinger endorses Hillary Clinton as the 2016 presidential candidate

AGAINST

this.

We urge the East community to vote for Clinton not simply because she isn’t Trump, but because at this moment in history, Clinton is the perfect person for the job of Commander in Chief. If elected, Clinton will be faced with uniting a divided nation. She’ll be challenged to work with legislators who hate her, who believe she deserves to be in jail. But it is her wishy-washy beliefs that will allow her to cross the aisle and be successful.

Yes, when Clinton ran for president in 2008 she challenged the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), calling for renegotiations.

And yes, in 2011 she then praised the deal as the “gold standard for trade agreements.” But we see this as her willingness to compromise with right wing and left wing legislators. This

THE HARBINGER 2016-2017 STAFF LIST PRINT EDITORS-INCHIEF Ellie Booton Will Clough Claire Pottenger ASSISTANT PRINT EDITORS Daisy Bolin Grace Chisholm DESIGN EDITORS Anna McClelland Yashi Wang HEAD COPY EDITORS Caroline Heitmann Robbie Veglahn PHOTO EDITORS Haley Bell Morgan Browning Kaitlyn Stratman ONLINE EDITORS-INCHIEF Ellie Cook Celia Hack ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITORS Morgan Biles Anna Kanaley MOBILE MEDIA & MARKETING EDITORS Marti Fromm Courtney McClelland SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Annabelle Cook Grace Padon

SECTION EDITORS NEWS- Emily Fey and Kaleigh Koc SPORTS- Seamus Carroll, Reser Hall & Jet Semrick FEATURES- Ellie Mitchell & Brooklyn Terrill A&E- Annahelle Cook & Sean Overton EDITORIAL- Abby Walker OPINION- Annie Jones & Gracie Kost SPREAD- Katie Hise EASTIPEDIA- Monty Lyddon EDITORIAL BOARD Abby Walker Morgan Biles Daisy Bolin Ellie Booton Will Clough Ellie Cook Celia Hack Caroline Heitmann Claire Pottenger Robbie Veglahn Courtney McClelland COPY EDITORS Morgan Biles Daisy Bolin Ellie Booton Will Clough Ellie Cook Emily Fey Marti Fromm Celia Hack Caroline Heitmann Madeline Hlobik Anna Kanaley Courtney McClelland Mac Newman Sean Overton Claire Pottenger Robbie Veglahn Abby Walker

WRITERS Porter Carroll Seamus Carroll Harrison Gooley Ava Johnson Lizzie Kahle Gracie Kost Caleb Krakow Ali Lee Elias Lowland Courtney McClelland Mac Newman Grace Padon Lucy Patterson Scout Rice Jet Semrick Pauline Shaver Liddy Stallard Maya Stratman Meg Thoma Brooklyn Terrill Will Tulp Emma Vaughters Robbie Veglahn Sarah Wilcox PAGE DESIGNERS Porter Carroll Ava Johnson Lizzie Kahle Caleb Krakow Elias Lowland Courtney McClelland Mac Newman Grace Padon Lucy Patterson Scout Rice Jet Semrick Meg Thoma Brooklyn Terrill Will Tulp Emma Vaughters Robbie Veglahn Sarah Wilcox STAFF ARTISTS Will Tulp Maya Stratman

ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS Diana Percy Ellie Thoma SME PHOTOS EDITOR Carson Holtgraves PHOTOGRAPHERS Elizabeth Anderson Grace Goldman Audrey Kesler Annie Lomshek Caroline Mills Katherine O’Dell Morgan Plunkett Maddie Smiley Kayla Starns Ellen Swanson Libby Wilson Izzy Zanone Sophie Storbeck Allison Stockwell ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Parker Gordon

MANAGER Elizabeth Anderson SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Sarah Wilcox CONTEST COORDINATOR Courtney McClelland VIDEO EDITOR Diego Galicia ASSISTANT VIDEO EDITOR Nic Bruyere

ELECTION

AT EAST

Based on a poll of 250 students

15%

of East students will be voting in the election

VIDEO TRAINING EDITOR Will Hembree INTERACTIVES EDITOR Will Tulp PODCAST EDITOR Reser Hall

BROADCAST EDITORS Seamus Carroll SOCIAL MEDIA STAFF Will Hembree Sam Brown Lucy Hoffman ANCHOR Monty Lyddon Peyton Watts Liddy Stallard Emma Vaughters MULTIMEDIA STAFF Nic Bruyere ADS & BUSINESS Anna Dierks MANAGER Will Hembree Grace Chisholm Thomas Murguia Peyton Watts ASSISTANT ADS Avery Walker MANAGER Lucy Kendall CIRCULATION

country needs someone who can unify the two ends of Congress.

However, the negative beliefs about Clinton are not entirely unwarranted. We understand why she’s hard to trust. She’s flip-flopped on her beliefs through the years, she’s made some under-the-table deals and she’s shot herself to hell by using that private email server. Of course she’s made a few mistakes during her lifelong political career. It would be unfair to expect perfection from Clinton, let alone any politician.

The Harbinger believes that Clinton has all the makings for a successful presidency. She’s got more experience than anyone in the game, she has plans that push our nation in the right direction, yet has a willingness to compromise with both democrats and republicans. And it’s these qualities that motivate us to vote for Clinton on Nov. 8.

THE

2

93%

students watched all or parts of the Presidential debate

60%

won’t support the president if there candidate isn’t elected

43%

believe that the media influences their opinions on the election 63% aren’t voting

East’s votes

3% other

2% Gary Johnson 10% Donald Trump 23% Hillary Clinton

PH T S OF THE WEEK explaining the past two weeks at East with just a few photos

BY GRACE PADON

east

“Encounter” Set to Come Out Nov. 15

The advanced video production class is creating a video of a series of news stories that will premiere as an episode of SMSD’s news program, called Encounter, around Nov. 15.

“Encounter” is a student-made news show created

by SMSD to showcase positive events happening around the district. Every high school’s advanced video production class in the district creates an episode of “Encounter” once a semester, with stories from the elementary and middle schools that feed into them.

East students in the class teamed up in small groups of two and three and visited all of the elementary and middle schools in the East attendance area to

local

report on an event happening at that school. Each group filmed, interviewed and edited their segments.

Examples of news stories the students created include Briarwood’s Chili Cook Off and the cross country team at Indian Hills Middle School.

“This project is beneficial to the students because they learn how to conduct interviews, collect b-roll, and improve people skills,” advanced video productions teacher Jennifer Hunter said.

After they are edited, the one to two minute long segments are sent to the district to combine them into a single, 20-minute long video to be put on the district’s website and the SMSD TV channel.

( A B OV E ) J u n i o r Ve n u s Gutierrez runs a dog through the Pu ppy P a g e a n t | DIANA PERCY ( A B OV E R I G H T ) Junior Caroline Ehrich dances with a little girl while volunteering at Deanna Rose | AVA SIMONSEN ( L E F T ) Junior Milton Braasch teaches the cheer and lancer dancer squads how to play football at Powder Puff | KAITLYN STRATMAN

Update on 63rd St. Construction

The reopening of 63rd St is being pushed back to Dec. 1 due to a yard maintenance truck driving down the marked-off street while it was being repaved.

The final leg of construction was repaving the roadway, which started in September, but had to be redone because of the ruined pavement.

63rd St. between Mission Road and State Line in Mission Hills has been closed due to different types of construction since last January.

WaterOne, the city’s water provider, replaced the water main from Mission Road to Mission Dr. while Kansas Gas worked on its pipe crossings at each of the intersections. The bridge at the intersection of Wenonga Road and Indian Ln.

national

was replaced as well for structural concerns.

63rd St. is a busy road because it is the only street that goes directly from Mission Road to State Line in Mission Hills, making Ward Parkway and Missouri easily accessible from Mission Road.

During construction, the road remained open but only traffic allowed on the road was for residents that lived directly on the street.

Junior Madeline Stump couldn’t park in front of her house because of the construction.

“I had to park on another street and the road was super bumpy so you had to drive 10 mph,” Stump said.

New Research on the HPV Vaccine Released

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Oct. 19 that kids under the age of 15 who get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination only need to get two doses instead of three.

HPV is a common virus that can affect anyone who is sexually active. It can most commonly lead to cervical cancer in women.

Even though they can’t get cervical cancer, it is still important for men to get their HPV shot.

“Males can spread the virus to females, resulting in cervical cancer,” nurse practitioner Lisa Welker said, “Already, the vaccine is showing a decrease in this horrid type of cancer.”

INJECTING HPV VACCINE THE TRUTH OF THE

MYTH: HPV only

affects girls

TRUTH: Boys and girls

}

The American Academy for Pediatrics reports that only 42 percent of teenage girls complete all three of their doses, while only 20 percent of teenage boys complete their doses.

Health officials hope that it will help more teenagers to receive all of their necessary shots.

Children who are 11 to 14-years-old are advised to get two HPV shots within six months of each other in order to protect against different cancers and sexually transmitted diseases. However, CDC’s study also reports that people who start the shots at ages 15-26 will still need to receive three doses.

can both contract HPV

MYTH: The vaccine wasn’t

properly tested and hasn’t been proven to prevent HPV-related cancers.

TRUTH: In initial clinical trials, the vaccine was given to

20,000 women aged 16–26, before it was approved for widespread use. These trials showed the vaccine is almost 100 per cent effective in preventing abnormalities in cells that cause HPV types 16 and 18.

MYTH: The vaccine can give you the virus and cause cancer.

TRUTH: The vaccine cannot cause cancer or any other HPV-related diseases.

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NEWS

COALITION GOES WILD & SCENIC Wild & Scenic Film Festival attracts students and raises money for organizations to help the environment and Coalition Club

PHOTOS KAITLYN STRATMAN

BY AVA JOHNSON

S

enior Devon Dietrich organized the Wild & Scenic Film Festival that took place on Oct. 19 and 20 at the Glenwood Arts Theater.

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival was an event for the community to explore the environmental issues and movements of the world through professionally-made films that ranged from 3-10 minutes long. These films allowed the East community to explore environmental issues and movements across the globe.

“I think that these films will inspire high schoolers to see the good in the world and want to take part in it,” Dietrich said.

Dietrich attended the festival two years ago when it was held at Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City. Motivated by the inspiring stories, she decided to organize the event and open it up to students at East.

She reached out to the headquarters of the Wild and Scenic organization and explained her plan to hold the event for high school students.

The organization eagerly agreed, Dietrich said,

and they gave her approval to host the event as long as she raised the money for the rights of the films.

Coalition partnered with Dietrich and managed to raise around $3,500 for the rights of the films for the two-night event.

David Muhammad, Coalition sponsor, helped Dietrich spread the word.

“Devon came to me because she knew Coalition Club is all about global humanitarian causes and such,” Muhammad said. “We just kind of slapped Coalition’s name on everything to push it a little bit more. Coalition is really known in the school, so that helped her out.”

Once the money was raised, Dietrich began organizing the event. She had to pick out her favorite 14 short films out of the 100 choices Wild and Scenic Film Festival headquarters had given her the rights to. When picking which films to include in the show, she had to consider a logical and interesting order to play them in.

“It was difficult to pick the films because I had a lot to choose from,” Dietrich said. “They

FEATURED FILMS Oceans North In Manitoba on the Hudson Bay more than 57,000 beluga whales congregate to mate, molt and feed, away from predators.

all cover a wide variety of topics and places and I didn’t want a bunch of the same content. I had to think about which would be my main video and how I would transition from video to video.”

After picking and finalizing funds for the videos, Dietrich worked to advertise the event. She hung posters throughout the halls, made an Instagram and Facebook account with information, asked local community organizations to send emails through their current mailing list and even convinced 32 teachers to give out extra credit to students who attended.

Among those who attended was sophomore Megan Walstrom, who saw the film with friends.

“All the videos were very fast-paced and interesting and there wasn’t a time when I was bored during them. I would definitely be interested seeing more of them,” Walstrom said.

Dietrich felt that the two nights were very successful and exceeded both her and

Muhammad’s expectations. Two years ago the turnout was less than 100 people, and this year around 600 people attended between the two nights.

The money raised from the event went to local outreach and community service programs such as Coalition Club, the U.S. Green Building Council - Central Plains Community, American Society of Civil Engineers, Bridging the Gap, Jeffrey L. Bruce & Co., ASP Enterprises, Fine Arts Theaters and the Kansas International Film Festival.

Muhammad has heard from both students and teachers that they were very impressed with the event. Many have said the content was very moving and created a sense of awareness and cautiousness for viewers.

“People didn’t expect the professional quality of the films. There was some emotional tugging in some of the films and it really hit some people in their feels,” Muhammad said.

A look at some of the films showcased in Coalition’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival

The Important Things Through a trip down the Colorado River, a father and son make connections.

The Ridge Professional biker, Danny Macaskill performs tricks over the natural beauty of an Irish mountain range.

Leave It As it Is

Department of the Interior acts to stop the threats against the Grand Canyon, which could be changed forever.

NEWS

5

SMALL BUT MITEY: THE RISE OF THE OAK MITE

M

BY MAC NEWMAN

any East students and Kansas Citians have recently had a red, itchy bump mysteriously appear on their skin; the verdict is almost certainly the oak leaf mite.

Kansas City has become the epicenter of these microscopic bugs, according to the Department of Entomology at Penn State University. They multiply by the hundred of thousands on oak leaves and then come down during the early fall season.

Junior Denny Rice is one of the many East students who have experienced the itch mites.

“I had a few bites on my neck and initially wrote it off as mosquitoes until I saw a news broadcast discussing the issue,” Rice said. “[I] did some research and found the bites were consistent with the mites.”

The SME Cross Country team has also been plagued by mites, with many runners being bitten during practice after school.

“I have a million oak bites, I think [cross country] is a main contributor since we spend so much time outside running through grass and under trees,”

1

senior cross country runner Devon University.

Dieterich said.

“Our hypothesis is [that the mites are Nurses at East have felt the infestation so bad] because of the mild winter we as well, saying a few students and three had last year, which resulted in a higher faculty members came in over the past survivability of the mites, in conjunction few weeks searching for relief. with a higher numbers of trees that have The only thing the nurses have this marginal leaf gall holder,” Coyle said. been able to offer them is over-theThe oak mites produce millions of counter anti-itch cream, if they have offspring in a short period of time. permission, which has So when you encounter a relieved students pin oak tree, which is and faculty where these galls temporarily. form, millions of Our hypothesis is [the mites M a n y these mites are students did raining down, are so bad] because of the mild not know according to winter we had last year of the oak Coyle. A gall is mites before the abnormal DR. RAYMOND COYLE KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY this year or growth on the how to avoid oak leaves due to them. The oak the oak mites larvae. mites were noticed by researchers about The oak mite feeds on oak ten years ago and are believed to have marginal fold gall when they are originated in Kansas City, according larvae, which are on leaves on pin oak to Department of Entomology. Last trees. When those galls offer no more year they were extremely bad, and food, the mites drop from the trees this year they are just as bad, if not in search of food. The famished mites worse, according to Dr. Raymond Coyle, bite people, which releases a neurotoxin Professor of Entomology at Kansas State that can cause itchiness for several days,

in review 1

Galls, or large hollow cavities, form in the oak leaves from stings

Larvae develop into adolescent oak mites, which grow hungry

2

2

2

Avoid Pin Oak Trees

Mites reside in oak pin trees and fall out from the leaves

3

Oak mites lay millions of eggs at a time in the galls

1

according to Joe Boggs of Ohio State University.

Due to their minisculity and ability to land on anything they come across, bug spray and similar spray remedies like DEET have minimal effect.

There is no complete way to avoid the oak mites. However, thee are a few ways to evade them if someone has been around pin oak trees or are going to be around them.

If someone has been outdoors recently it is a good idea to immediately remove their clothes and take a shower, according to Coyle.

He also said to be aware that pets may have been exposed to pin oak trees and petting them will expose one’s hands to mites.

Wearing a lot of clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and hats and wearing gloves when raking leaves or working outdoors can also help.

Once winter comes, oak mites should no longer be a problem. They are not of concern during the months of December to June, according to Coyle. Until then, the only real way to stay completely safe is to stay away from pin oak trees.

HOW TO AVOID OAK MITES

MITE LIFE CYCLE Wasp-like insects sting leaves of pin oak trees

High levels of oak leaf mites in Kansas City leave people with itchy red bumps

Hungry oak mites are blown out of trees and bite whatever they fall on, leaving red bumps

Wash Clothes

Oak mites can stay in your clothes and bite you while inside

4

Shower

Rinse off immediately after being outdoors

Cover Up Wearing gloves and long sleeves while outside can help protect you

6

ALT-COPY

CONTROVERSIAL CANDIDATES A head-to-head view of the of the Democratic and Republican candidates for POTUS

Republican Presidential Candidate

DONALD TRUMP

Democratic Presidential Candidate

HILLARY CLINTON

THE BASICS

THE BASICS EXPERIENCE

EXPERIENCE

Former Secretary of State

President, Trump Organization

TOTAL FUNDS RAISED

TOTAL FUNDS RAISED $202,763,486

$547,720,124

HOME STATE

HOME STATE New York

New York

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

Tim Kaine

Mike Pence

IN THE POLLS

IN THE POLLS

39.2%

45.2%

of voters prefer Trump

sources: reaclearpolitics.com and insidegov.com

ON THE ISSUES

ON THE ISSUES ECONOMY IMMIGRATION MILITARY

Reduce taxes for citizens across the board End Obama-initiated defer of deportation of illegal immigrants Rebuild military forces with an increase in personnel and weapon-

KY

AL

Pass reforms allowing illegal citizens a path to citizenship Create a defense budget that ensures “stretching every dollar” sources: hillaryclinton.com and donaldjtrump.com

tax returns | deplorables | plan Miss Piggy | 30 years | reality TV trumped-up trickle- down

notable phrases from the campaign

LIKELY STATE WINS OK

Lower taxes for the middle class and small business

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

locker-room talk | believe me crooked | huge | bad hombres nasty woman | wall | rigged

of voters prefer Clinton

source: cnnpolitics.com

LIKELY STATE WINS

TOSS-UP STATES NC

OH

AZ

NY

MA

CA

LANCER VIEW: PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

results from a poll of 203 students

WHO WOULD YOU VOTE FOR IF YOU COULD VOTE? (UNDER 18)

CLINTON 62% TRUMP 20% OTHER 18%

WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR IF YOU ARE VOTING?

CLINTON 60% TRUMP 24% OTHER 16%

percent of polled

source: reaclearpolitics.com

FAVORABILITY OF CANDIDATES TRUMP VS. CLINTON

72%

32%

28%

22% 7%

1

11%

9%

6%

2 3 4 1 = very negative, 5 = very positive

6% 7%

5

ICE O V ER C N A L

How do you think Club Bano affected the Shawnee Mission East community?

Club Baño should be reinstated for the school spirit and comradery it builds throughout the student body.

BY RESER HALL

I

PHOTO BY AUDREY KESLER

t’s five minutes before second hour ends on Friday and Yes, I understand that breaking a urinal into shards of everybody knows where to go: the fourth floor bathroom. porcelain causes a problem for the school. However, the Backpacks pile up outside, the boys pile in, the mirrors student responsible paid for it with both a suspension and a fog up and Darude’s “Sandstorm” starts blaring. The entire fine. The point of Club Baño is not to be destructive, it is to get bathroom becomes engulfed in the “baño” chants for thirty together a group of penned-up boys and get pumped up about seconds, then disaster strikes. The urinal came crashing down, a game that night. The shattered urinal altered the public’s and with it the existence of the club came with it. view on the club. Obviously we didn’t go into the bathroom I firmly believe that Baño shouldn’t that day saying to each other, ‘Wow it would be banned based on one accident, be funny if we broke a urinal.’ No, we just but should be brought back for the want to have the highlight of our day in benefits it has for the student close proximity with 80 of our closest Club Bano gives guys a plave body. Club Baño has been banned friends. to go to express their passion long enough: it deserves to be Club Baño is meant to reduce towards East sports reinstated. stress in school and for people to get Club Baño gives guys a place to excited about East’s sports. If the ban go to express their passion towards on Club Baño was lifted, La Toilette, RESER HALL JUNIOR East sports. it also builds bonds the girls version of Club Baño, would and gets people talking to each other. return with it. This would bring back the After all, eighty plus boys are packed excitement for everybody at school and let’s into a bathroom meant for eight boys at most, so you better be face it, Shawnee Mission East could really benefit from some good at small talk. The club has been a staple of East boys for fun and games. And trust me, these clubs would provide that. the past few years and one incident shouldn’t wipe away all of I would hate to see one of our school’s best traditions the history and spirit that the club has brought to East. crumble into oblivion like that urinal. Students many years It isn’t hard to see that school spirit has been lacking this down the road deserve to live the experience just as we did. year. We have seen freshman who don’t represent East well, Bad things happen to good people and this principle applies to spotty attendance to the football games and a lack of enthusiasm Club Baño. As Vince Lombardi put it, ‘It’s not whether you get about East in general. The return of Club Baño would be the knocked down, it’s whether you get up.’ The fact that Club Baño first step to ratcheting up the spirit in the halls of East. After wasn’t given a fair shot to redeem itself after one incident is all, Club Baño brings the boys together, and now that Baño is unjust. On behalf of all the boys at East, bring back Club Baño. banned it puts a damper on the mood around school.

ENGLISH TEACHER SAMANTHA FEINBERG I’m all for having fun in school and getting together but [Club Bano] was a disruptive form of fun.

JUNIOR WILL WIGGINS [Club Bano] was just a way for people to get together during school and let off some steam.

Strategy. Experience. Compassion.

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Visit PottengerLaw.com or call 816-531-6006 today for a free consultation.

24-HOUR CRISIS LINE 913-642-0233

Our mission is very straightforward.

MOCSA exists to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual assault and abuse, and to prevent sexual violence in our community.

OPINION

9

Clockwise from bottom left: Liddy, Olivia, Meg, Mya, Parker

HOW TO: BRANCH OUT

Something about BREAKING cliques

Find a common interest Liddy met Olivia through dance team. They were the only two girls with a major ballet background

OUT OF HER BFFS

Be yourself

There are benefits of branching out of your typical friend group

S

BY LIDDY STALLARD

itting inside Cupcake A La Mode with a past StuCo president, eager to enter my first year of high school, she told me the key to all the fun she had was to be involved in every group she could think of and meet as many people as she could while at East.

Going into freshman year I lived by those words. I joined StuCo and started attending Coalition and SHARE events. I never failed to say hi to a familiar face in the hall. I made it a priority to get to know anyone sitting within a three desk vicinity of me during all classes. My teachers didn’t always support that one, though.

Why wouldn’t you want to live by those words? One of the most important goals I have had so far during high school is to not allow myself to be pigeon-holed into one friend group.

When I hang out with the same people over and over again, I begin to become influenced by them. We may start out being different but because of inside jokes, memories and shared secrets, we start to evolve into the same person.

We listen to the same music, like to go out to eat at the same three restaurants and I find that we use such similar vocabulary that we are constantly finishing each other’s sentences. Ask any of my friends, I have them all hooked on calling tortilla chips “salsa chips.” These are the friendships I’ll cherish long after high school, but it can become easy to get too comfortable and lose drive to put myself out there and make

new friends.

It’s unhealthy to never step out of your comfort zone, feel a little out of sorts, uncomfortable or even lost. When you allow yourself to become vulnerable around people you don’t know, it allows others to reciprocate the feeling, often ending in a new relationship that you wouldn’t have expected.

Walking into a classroom full of 20 faces I don’t recognize makes my stomach drop. I have never been the type of person to idly sit in a class and not talk. After spending seven years in a small elementary school where I knew everyone’s birthdays, middle names and typical lunch orders I find myself trying to recreate the bond I had with those students over seven years in a matter of three minutes before the bell rings, with students I have just been acquainted with.

I met one of the nicest girls I know by doing this. She isn’t someone I’ve known since elementary school or spent time with outside of school, but someone I met in the back of my eighth grade social studies class. Although she probably never knew this, she quickly became one of my favorite people to talk to. She constantly made me laugh about how little our teacher cared about teaching the class; we never ran out of things to talk about and I never worried about being bored during that hour. If it wasn’t for her outgoing personality and my desire to have a friend to talk to, I would have never meet Mya, someone I am lucky to call a friend.

As I think back to the start of my education as a kindergartener to right now, a sophomore

heading into her sixth quarter at East, I have had the chance to associate myself with many different types of people. For me, the best feeling is walking down the hallway with a friend and saying hi to someone outside of your friend group, and after that person is out of earshot, your friend questions how you could possibly know each other and you get to tell them the unique story of how your friendship originated.

Whether it’s an old Westwood View Python, someone I was close with in middle school, a past teammate or the girl I sit next to in my third hour English class, I am thankful for the friendship we have started and memories we have shared.

The blessing of being a Lancer is having the chance to meet someone new everyday. After you meet that new person, don’t just leave it as that.

Grow that friendship and I promise you, you won’t regret it.

East is a school full of opportunity. It gives you every chance to find a route that can lead you to create your identity, to step outside of yourself and surround yourself with people that are worth getting to know. Whether it be Math Club, Theater, Art, Robotics Club – the list of groups is endless. Take advantage of what we have here. Attend an event or join a club you wouldn’t normally join. When Principal McKinney says “Take care of each other out there Lancers,” take it to heart. He doesn’t mean just your three best friends.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ELLEN SWANSON

Meg and Liddy went to a KU game together in 7th grade.

Their similar senses of humor have made them close friends

Take time to get to know new people Liddy met Mya in the back of 8th grade Social Studies and were two of five girls in the class

Join clubs and activities Liddy met Parker while attending several K-Life small group sessions

10

OPINION

HOORAY FOR

HALLOWEEN In The U.S.

With Halloween on a Monday this year, a love for the holiday is cut short

BY ANNIE JONES

35

MILLION

H

alloween: a holiday celebrated would hate to forget the numerous Disney TV show Halloween nearly worldwide when specials. “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody” Halloween episode anyone can be anything and is one of my favorites and I shouldn’t even have to describe candy corn sales skyrocket. A holiday the plot for you. that has evolved to have remotely Along with “13 Nights of Halloween” of Freeform there are no religious connection, Halloween classic Halloween traditions like pumpkin carving, trick-orallows all to celebrate together – treating and dressing up in polyester costumes. Through my unless you’re a witch.

16 Halloweens I have dressed up in only the best costumes: Every year I look forward to the many joys that come along Tinky Winky the purple Teletubby, a vampire princess and with Halloween: the magical pumpkin-shaped Reese’s that an orange-faced Oompa Loompa to top my list. Showing off somehow are one hundred times better than a regular Reese’s, my blood diamond crown and homemade costumes are what “Halloweentown” marathons and the slimey struggles of made dressing up so fun while strutting down Belinder Ave. gutting a pumpkin on my kitchen floor.

Getting to do these things annually was But the amount of Kit-Kat such a treat to me, and only grew my consumption might come up short love for the holiday.

As students, we get countless this year since Halloween falls on Halloween wasn’t always a Monday, inconveniently forcing celebrated with Jolly Ranchers teacher work days off but still most parties, trick-or-treat and cheap costumes. All we don’t get cut a break for outings and other Halloween Hallow’s Eve originates from Halloween. festivities to the weekend the ancient Celtic festival of before. Since this is such a widely Samhain, when people would ANNIE JONES celebrated holiday, it’s hard for light bonfires and wear costumes JUNIOR me not to ask why we don’t get to ward off roaming ghosts. Boy, Halloween off school. has Halloween changed. Now instead As students, we get countless teacher of keeping ghosts and evil spirits away, work days off but still we don’t get cut a break for Halloween. the objective has swayed into an excuse to wear fishnet tights.

I feel that with all the hype and celebration of Halloween, a But believe me – I’m definitely not saying that getting to dress day off would be greatly appreciated... hint hint wink wink, up as your favorite “Game of Thrones” character with no weird administration. looks from your neighbors is a bad thing.

Oct. 31 sits in the middle of Fall, my favorite season, To me, Halloween is unlike any other holiday because with beautiful changing leaves and everything pumpkin. although it originally had a reason for celebration over 2,000 Halloween is just the icing on top. years ago, now it doesn’t. It’s simply an excuse to dress up in It’s hard not to love Halloween and all its glory. costume, have fun and be able to carry around a two pound “Halloweentown” is only one of many incredible childrens’ pillowcase of candy without being judged. How could I enjoy Halloween movies – there’s “Twitches,” “The Nightmare Halloween without worrying about an anatomy exam the Before Christmas” and “Hocus Pocus” to name a few. And I next morning?

HISTORY OF

HALLOWEEN

The Pope decided to combine Samhein with All Hallow’s Day (Nov. 1st)

1000 B.C.

Information courtesy of wjla.com

In 2013, Reese’s, America’s favorite Halloween candy, sold

$7.4

BILLION

407

MILLION

Dollars spent on candy, costumes and decorations

Pounds of chocolate bought during the week of Halloween

90

MILLION

Information courtesy of usatoday.com and dailyburn.com

The night before All Hallows Eve was changed to be called “All Hallows’ Evening”, or Hallowe’en

1850

1000 A.D. 800 A.D.

The Celts, a European culture group, celebrated Samhein (Saw-ween) which is when the dead walk amongst the living

Pounds of Candy Corn made every Halloween season.

1500 For the celebration, villagers were told to dress up as peasants and beg for food door-to-door.

Irish immigrants brought their tradition of costumes and trickor-treating ways to America

11

OPINION

BROKEN

Trying to connect.

Wi-Fi problems in the school prevent student and faculty productivity

BY JET SEMRICK

<B<LUEC AT

The early 2000s called, they want their internet back.

The past month at Shawnee Mission East, the system that provides security to the district-issued MacBooks has been malfunctioning and causing internet connection issues. The five high schools are the primary group of students affected.

If you are one of the lucky few whose computer still works on the school Wi-Fi, congratulations – you are in the 1.4 percent [from a poll of 436 East students]. I’m surprised that we even had responses to the poll. You won the lottery and received a pardon from the Wi-Fi gods.

The recent Blue Coat and Wi-Fi issues are causing catastrophic problems in the classroom that are inhibiting students ability to learn. A district that relies on computers for the education of its students should not be dealing with Wi-Fi issues unless they are willing to deal with negative effects that come later on down the road.

When a school that maintains a fleet of 1800 MacBook computers has Wi-Fi issues, it is not like only a few people are affected when the Blue Coat decides to act up. Students and teachers alike have to deal with the problem, efficiency in class is hampered by the Wi-Fi problems.

The root of the problems stems from the Blue Coat system. According to assistant vice principal Britton Haney, the district uses an outside company to manage Blue Coat instead of the company that owns Blue Coat themselves. The company was not prepared for the amount of internet traffic that comes along with 9,000 SMSD high school students.

Many days I have entered classes expecting to complete a project. Sometimes, all I’m trying to do is turn in my English essay on Google Classroom, but once Google Docs stars telling me it’s reconnecting, I know there’s no hope. It is these times when I and other students are spending hours in class unproductively; the only thing to do is try to beat your high score on the hopping dinosaur game.

While I enjoy playing the hopping dinosaur game on Google Chrome just as much as anyone else, having to spend time at home making up work because the Blue Coat doesn’t work isn’t fun.

Out of a survey of 436 students at East, 40.9 percent of students said that East is too dependent on technology. 88.3 percent of students said that the Wi-Fi plague of the past month has added to the stress of completing weekly Conjuguemos or even finishing this story. The irony is ridiculous.

There were many instance, such as in the middle of writing this sentence the Blue Coat decided to act up and I was forced to wait for it to reconnect.

Every day I hope the Wireless Fidelity[Wifi] has returned from the grave.

Each day seems promising, but my Wi-fi never fails to leave my hopeful computer after typing only a few words on Google Docs.. Everyday, I can expect the same thing: spotty Wi-Fi Every. Single. Day. One week without school Wi-Fi is understandable. It’s still awful and makes for an unproductive week of classes, but no school district is perfect. Two weeks is a little much; I am starting to get annoyed.

Three weeks and counting is absolutely ridiculous if we are expected to use technology everyday within school. The computers should at least be able to connect to the internet.

The use of technology in school is incredibly important for modern education.

Unlike other generations, you are expected to be proficient with technology.

If the district chose to be more technology dependent than in the past, there needs to be stability in the Wi-Fi system. A computer without Wi-Fi is essentially useless.

Thankfully, the problem will be addressed at the beginning of the year during winter break. The current plan is to switch to working with Cisco for the district’s internet security. Until then I guess the students of East will have to work with the current WiFi situation or go back to using that thing called paper again

EFFECTS OF WIFI PROBLEMS 1.4%

97.9%

0.7%

Have you been effected by recent outages at East?

2.5%

96.3%

1.2%

Do you feel the wifi has slowed efficiency in class?

9.3% 2.1%

88.2%

Do those effected feel added stress completeing work?

49.2%

41%

9.1% Do you think East is too technology dependent?

YES NO OTHER *poll survey sent to the student body.

There were 438 responses total

12

PHOTO ESSAY

( R I G H T ) Chemistry teacher, Mr.Bardwell, watches as students sign the sheet for extra credit. The extra points in class were used for motivation to bring students to the early morning activities. | ELLIE THOMA

( B E LOW ) Junior Bobby Kissick puts his hands on a metal ball which transmits electricity to his hair. “I got up there and my hair was sticking up and I was just shocking everyone around me. Mainly my friends were all in a circle and if I grabbed someone’s hand they could touch other people...whoever they would touch would just get shocked and they would be yelling in pain. Whoever was working there just pointed at me and said ‘You do it, your hair would be really good for it.’” | ELLIE THOMA

( B E LOW ) Sophomore Sam Shrout struggles to bend under the lowest level of the limbo stick. “If we went under the shortest level of the limbo stick we got prizes,” Shrout said. “It was pretty hard because it was early in the morning so I wasn’t very energetic, but I made it under.” | ELLIE THOMA

MOLECTION MORNING

Chemistry students gathered in the East cafeteria at 6:02 a.m. on Oct. 23 to celebrate Mole Day

( A B OV E ) Juniors Isabella Kloster and Iman Jaroudi high-five after playing a game of ring toss. “It’s just worth it to see everyone pull it together and see the result of the hard work the committee put in,” Kloster said. | ELLIE THOMA ( L E F T ) Junior Owen Burrows pops his head out of the Whack-A-Mole game. “It got tiring after a while, but then people started taking turns being the mole so their friends could hit them,” Burrows said. | ELLIE THOMA ( A B OV E ) Sophomore Colin Hueser competes in a ring toss competition with bunsen burners. | HALEY BELL

( M i D D L E L E F T ) Junior Andrew Moore gives a speech dressed as Donald Trump. Throughout the morning, the students voted in a Molection, and Trump was elected President. | AUDREY KESLER

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THROUGH

PHOTOS Student uses social media to convey his passion of photography

BY CELIA HACK

“I

hope to get there this year!”

“Belissima fotografia!!”

“So nice! Would love to kayak here.”

“Amazing that all these photos are taken with a iPhone 6!”

Followers from Portugal, Serbia, United States – everywhere – leave compliments on sophomore CJ’s Manne’s travel Instagram, @julian_jphotography. It has garnered 3,508 followers in just over a year. For Manne, the account provides an opportunity to share with the world what he’s seen through his travels.

“They [followers] always comment, ‘Oh this place is so beautiful, I never knew what that was like’ and ‘I really want to go here someday,’” Manne said.

Manne has been traveling since he was two years old. His mother, Terre Manne, set a goal to take him to all fifty states before he turned eighteen.

So far, he’s been to each one except Hawaii and Ohio. He’s also visited Australia, Mexico and Canada.

Mark Clinton, a famous travel photography Instagrammer, inspired him to share his photography with the world through social media. His friends also encouraged him, especially after Manne’s personal Instagram feed was taken over with pictures of the crystal blue waters of Sydney, Australia.

“It was half a year [after I went there], and I was still posting pictures from Australia. People thought I was still going there,” Manne said.

“Actually, someone thought that’s where I lived.”

After Manne began posting his pictures on a public Instagram instead of his personal one, less East students ended up seeing them. Manne kept its existence quiet, because he felt it was a fairly personal hobby, only telling his close friends. The followers of his account don’t know his age or full name, so when they see his photography, it’s not as personal as when a peer sees his photography.

Those who he has told at East follow

and like his pictures, allowing them to see places most of them have never been before.

“He’ll tell us stories about [his travels], but we never really get to see what it’s like. He went to Australia in eighth grade, and he was telling us about how he got to hold a koala,” sophomore Alex Como said. “So we get to see them on his account.”

Manne’s friend group noticed his success, and his Instagram sparked a trend within the group.

“When he created his account, seeing the responses people gave him inspired me to make an art account,” Como said. “It has kind of become a trend in our friend group because Grace [Goldman] and [Manne] have a photography account.”

Manne’s travels, led by his mom, have taught him about the beauties of the natural world.

“You get an education of the beauty of the world, of the environment.

You see what’s happening to it,” Terre said. “For instance, the glaciers.

We’ve been to Alaska twice, and the glaciers have melted so much [each time I’ve gone].”

Manne’s travels have also shown him the parts of nature that aren’t so beautiful – like the Californian drought – firsthand.

“Normally if you sit down in a restaurant, they’ll automatically give you water in like a regular size cup,” Manne said. “There – nowhere we went would give you water, and when they did it was like – that big – of a cup.”

But Manne utilizes his Instagram to show his followers the true beauty of the world. When he visited Australia, he exposed them to another side of the terrain besides the desert that many people think of.

“I mostly thought of it as desert-y,” Manne said. “[But] I think it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been because it was really mountainous. And there were eucalyptus trees that gave off a blue haze.”

Manne’s life-long interest in photography has never been anything more than a hobby, but the growing popularity of his Instagram is starting to change that. It’s not the same account he started with.

“There’s just a difference [between] me with a phone with oversaturated pictures getting 45 likes versus now getting 600 likes on my pictures with people following me every day,” Manne said. “It’s almost like a job to me now to be posting these.”

While he has his Instagram and a website, which just holds his Instagram pictures, Manne’s next step is to create a blog. He plans on calling it The Traveler, so that followers can get more of an in-depth idea of his travels. His pictures show what a place looks like, but he believes it would be even more impactful if he could tell the story behind it.

“I think there’s a difference between someone actually seeing my picture and someone knowing more background information about the picture, about the place and everything that I’ve experienced,” Manne said.

KATIE GARVERICK T

FEATURES

he industry of homemade and personalized goods have made their home at East, as the appeal of individuality has captured the minds of many buyers. Many students create and sell their homemade goods, making the student population able to support their peers in an enjoyable way.

Sophomore Katie Garverick opens up her Etsy account, Katie the Monogram Lady, to see a stream of requests for her funky and bright monograms and decals. The small business is run solely by Garverick, selling a variety of products from mini monogram stickers sold in packs of five, to wine glasses and water bottles—all embellished with a monogram.

“I started making my monograms for fun and so I started selling them for extra money,” Garverick said.

However, the small business has grown, as it currently has a five star customer review on Etsy, and has made around $500 in profit.

15

Garverick finds joy in making these monograms, not only for the extra cash in her pocket, but also for a way to fill extra time.

“It is something simple for me to make and I like finding different ways to use them to brighten things up,” Garverick said.

Although Katie the Monogram Lady has only been in business since November of 2015, Garverick feels content with her company’s situation, and has no future plans as of now to expand the company further, so she is able to focus on other school-activities. Garverick’s company has allowed her to connect with the East community more, as people will ask her about her monograms that she has displayed personally on her water bottle, folders and other school essentials. However, it also has also taught her important business skills.

“I have learned how to manage my time and money, and how much my time is really worth,” Garverick said.

HANDMADE & heartfelt

( A B OV E ) Garverick works at the crafting area she set up in her basement to work on her monograms. | IZZY ZANONE

Students learn entrepreneurship by starting their own businesses

BY PARKER GORDON

LIZA SANBORN H

( A B OV E ) Sanborn uses a sewing machine with different fabrics and patterns to create various bag options. | IZZY ZANONE

( R I G H T ) Sanborn has her mom post pictures of the cosmetic bags on Facebook to sell them. | IZZY ZANONE

earing the gentle hum accompanied with the ‘click-clack’ of the sewing machine, sophomore Liza Sanborn prepares to start the 1-2 hours of work that it takes to make her cosmetic bags, burp cloths, tea towels and bibs. The business, Liza Delaney Designs, has developed into a profitable company, with profits nearing $600. Although Sanborn started her business two years ago, she discovered her passion for sewing long before.

“My grandma knows how to sew and she would make me doll clothes. I found in interest in sewing through that. I made [a makeup bag] for my grandma and aunt, and I guess they were really good quality, so my mom decided we should start making and selling them,” Sanborn said.

Sanborn’s family are her marketers and advertisers of the company, with both her mother and grandmother spreading the word of all her products. Her small business is advertised by her mom, Jennifer Sanborn, on her Facebook page, with a picture and short description of the product. After the product is posted, family and friends comment their orders. Sanborn’s grandmother, currently residing in Chicago, speaks of all the hand-sewn goods to acquaintances, and orders flood in from family and friends living in the windy city.

However, Sanborn hopes to develop her customer

base wider than acquaintances, with a new website is in the works, which will launch spring of 2017.

“We want to start selling to people across the country, to people we don’t know,” Sanborn said.

Sanborn’s joy for sewing comes from her inspiration of turning everyday things and making them into something extraordinary, but also because sewing and crafting allows her independence and freedom.

“I enjoy sewing because it is a creative outlet for me; I get to make something out of something completely different,” Sanborn said.

16

OCTOBER 31, 2016

FEATURES

social

SMOKING

The past few years have shown and increase in smokers at East which contrasts decreases in young smokers across the nation

B

BY HARRISON GOOLEY AND CAROLINE HEITMANN

PHOTOS MORGAN BROWNIN

*names changed to protect identity

oys, it’s time to take a lay break.

Jared Johnson* looks around, scanning hands for the elusive royal blue pack of Parliament Full Flavor cigarettes. Several beers into the party, Johnson feels himself starting to pass out – he needs to “wake up.” It barely takes a second before several friends pipe up, “Meet me out back.”

Johnson cups his hand around the flame as the crackle of the burning tobacco begins, the bright orange glow highlighting the cigarette. After the last few drags, the boys can’t resist another. After all, it’s only at the parties that they do it.

Several minutes later, they ash their cigarettes, chew a few pieces of gum and go back inside. They sit back down on the couch like they never even left – another Saturday night.

“It’s crazy,” Johnson said. “Every Saturday night I go through Snapchat, and every story has people smoking in it. It’s a normal thing to do.”

But it wasn’t always normal. Johnson and his friends are part of the growing trend in cigarette usage during parties at East. According to East and national statistics, East has a higher amount of students smoking cigarettes — both at the school and national levels — than last year.

A recent survey of 410 East students showed that 21 percent of students have smoked cigarettes before. This differs from the poll Harbinger released last year about cigarettes, when responses showed that 18.9 percent of students had smoked a cigarette before – a 2 percent increase in one year alone.

East alumnus Kevin Guy* says the trend started last year — his graduation year. According to Guy, his grade popularized smoking at parties because younger students saw them doing it and would imitate.

“We kind of just made it acceptable to smoke cigs,” Guy said.

This new acceptance, as Guy called it, may account for the rise in smokers. But East’s increasing numbers contradict the decreasing national statistics. In a 2013 survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Kansas, 10.2 percent of 1,850 students smoked cigarettes regularly. This was a decrease from 14.4 percent in 2011.

In fact, the last time the state percentage matched East’s number of students who had smoked at least once before — 21 percent — was 2005.

A reason for this high number could be cigarettes’ popularity at parties – they have become the party phenomenon at East, according to student Joey Smith*. He can walk into any given party in the East area to find the smell of smoke lingering in the air, a group of three or four guys in the backyard “ripping heaters.” Once they’re done, another group walks out – it’s a night-long cycle.

But smoking is strictly part of the party life, according to Smith. It’s not a part of their everyday life. Students say they aren’t addicted, but rather they just do it to “wake themselves up” at the peak of the night.

“I don’t consider myself a smoker,” Smith said. “I only do it when I party. I can’t think of anyone who actually regularly smokes.”

This does seem to be the case for most students, as it’s rare for them to smoke outside of parties, according to Jennifer Clark*. Since the actual nights spent smoking are limited, it does not seem like it occurs often. But when those parties are multiple nights a week, it can add up.

Several adults in the East community were unaware of the significant difference in East and national statistics, such as district resource officer Dave Whisenhunt and associate principal Dr. Susan Leonard. Apart from an incident involving cigarettes on Oct. 8 — which administration declined to discuss in further detail — Whisenhunt has not caught any students smoking cigarettes on campus during a school event.

In fact, both Whisenhunt and Dr. Leonard believe the use of electronic cigarettes is a bigger problem at school because more students have been caught with them over regular cigarettes. Once Dr. Leonard learned about East’s increasing number of smokers, she found it hard to believe.

“To see [the trend of smoking] coming back is really heartbreaking,” Dr. Leonard said. “ I knew some people that experimented with smoking maybe a little bit during college, but nobody really became smokers. I just felt like we had made progress [in reducing the amount of smokers].”

Dr. Leonard had hoped the strong anti-cigarette campaigns in the 90’s had led to the end of the teensmoking era. After all, the negative effects cigarettes have on one’s health are common knowledge now. According to U.S. National Library of Medicine, smoking one cigarette reduces one’s life by 11 minutes. By the end of a party, most students say they smoke around a total of 10 cigarettes.

That means after take nearly two h In addition smoking cigarett “Smoking in smoking during Associate Profes Center. “Ninety p cigarette before more difficult it i Yet students, unhealthy. Inste the flame hits th just as dangerous “I think it’s n to be,” Clark said they drink all th gross and bad for drinking alcohol.

East adminis involving cigaret with the SRO on there have been from the one on this year.

Overall, John strong presence a “I mean it’s n said. “We are in h is. I don’t see the

FEATURES

THE HARBINGER

NG, HALEY BELL AND KAITLYN STRATMAN

r one night of party smoking, a student can hours of their life. to its more immediate health effects, tes as a teenager can leave a lasting impact. n adulthood is closely associated with adolescence,” said Dr. Matthew Sharper, ssor of Internal Medicine at KU Medical percent of adult smokers smoked their first the age of 18. The longer one smokes, the is to stop.” , like Smith, don’t care whether or not it’s ead, it’s all about the feeling they get when he tobacco. Plus, students argue drinking is s health-wise, but people still do it anyways. not as big a deal as everyone makes it out d. “There’s a lot of people who judge me – he time. So when they say smoking cigs is r you, I can say the same thing about [their] .” stration has a policy in place for incidents ttes on campus that includes discussion n how to best handle the situation. Since no instances of cigarettes on campus apart Oct. 8, this policy has not been used much

nson, Smith and Clark agree that cigarettes’ at parties contribute to the increase. not like we are hurting anyone else,” Smith high school. Everyone smokes, it is what it e problem.”

17

BREAKING DOWN A CIGARETTE

INFORMATION COURTESY OF PROPS.ERIC-HART.COM

TOBACCO

PAPER

A combustible tube-shaped wrapper to hold the tobacco

Includes shredded tobacco leaves, tobacco byproducts, and other additives

FILTER

A cellulose tube not filled with tobacco, but meant to lower the amount of tar and other unwanted particles from entering the lungs

FOOT

The end that goes in your mouth. On a fully-smoked cigarette, this is known as the butt

CIGARETTES at EAST A poll was sent out to all the students at East. 410 responses showed the following:

21%

STUDENT FACTS STUDENTS’ THOUGHTS

of East students have smoked a cigarette

out of these... said they only smoke at parties or other social settings said they smoke every day

29%

37%

10%

24%

said they rarely smoke said they smoke every once in a while

and

44% were Seniors 30% were Juniors

16%

were Sophomores

10% were Freshman

think that many students smoke

77%

6 10 out of

students have close friends who smoke

think that less than 100 students smoke think that between 101-200 students smoke

and

25%

think that not many 18% students smoke 20%think that 201+ students 37% smoke

18

FEATURES

F

Freshman achieves dream of modeling and begins to pursue it reshman Brigid Wentz takes a deep breath. had enveloped all she loved doing as a child.

She’s about to walk onto the platform in “I was a total girly-girl,” Brigid said. “I the grand ballroom of Bartle Hall for the was obsessed with makeup and I’d do my Adorn Style Show and Brunch. She’s modeling makeup all the time. I wasn’t very good at it, a coral, violet and yellow flowing gown from but I would always try on my mom’s dresses Gown Gallery for the grand finale. It’s her first and the high heels and I was really into it.” fashion show, her first time having a personal Mangan, now Brigid’s agent, helps her search stylist to give her the perfect smokey eye and for opportunities in modeling for print, runway, a dark lip, her first time walking on a runway. TV and film, as well as placement in a larger Now four months into her modeling career, 5’10 market such as New York City, Chicago and Europe.

1/2” Brigid has participated in two photo shoots “[Brigid is] very responsible and lovely to work and one fashion show. Her first photo shoot was with,” Mangan said. “[She has] a great deal of for Exposure’s website at the promise for a strong future end of July, her second for in the business. [I hope Simply KC’s September this is] a positive, I love modeling and I think issue, a local magazine. financially rewarding it’s so fun. Whenever I get an In the Adorn Fashion experience that lets Show, Brigid modeled her see the world opportunity I’m super excited, so five looks, including and become an even I think it’s a good thing. her favorite, the stronger woman.”

BRIGID WENTZ grand finale ball gown.

With her busy FRESHMAN Brigid’s career schedule involving stemmed from her varsity volleyball and 12-year-old self, when she schoolwork, Brigid hasn’t started showing serious interest in modeling. She spent as much time modeling as she would like, loved the idea of wearing all the latest trends and but once the winter season arrives, she hopes trying new makeup and hairstyles each show. As to have more time to dedicate to modeling. they are always encouraging their kids to try new “Sometimes [it interferes] with my plans on the things, her parents were eager to make modeling weekend, but I love modeling and I think it’s so work for her. So, they asked friends who had a fun,” Brigid said. “Whenever I get an opportunity connection with modeling agencies in Kansas City. I’m super excited, so I think it’s a good thing “We have always supported our kids,” Jenny because I like it as something I do for myself. I think said. “For our boys [Vance and Joey], that was pretty it’s worth missing a thing or two occasionally.” much sports, so I was talking to my husband about According to Brigid, she is career[modeling] and he said ‘We’ve always let the boys oriented. Modeling is just a hobby that she try everything, so we might as well give it a whirl.’” sometimes gets paid for, but if the right The Wentz’s finally found a connection with opportunities present themselves then Exposure Model and Talent Agency when Brigid she would like to make the most out of it. was approaching freshman year. Her older brother Throughout the past few months, some of Joey’s girlfriend, Emery Braun, was a close friend to the top modeling agencies in the country have the daughter of Exposure’s owner, Jen Mangan. So held casting calls in Kansas City. Brigid attended Brigid submitted photos to Exposure in early July, a few of those to get a sense of what they’re like, and then began modeling at the end of the month. but since she is only 14, she hopes they will start Dressing up had always been a part of taking interest in her when she is 15 or 16. If they Brigid’s life. As a kid, Brigid couldn’t keep her showed interest in her now, she wants to see how hands off of her mom’s makeup drawer or her far she can go with those modeling opportunities. sparkly blue leotard. This modeling opportunity

BY ANNA KANALEY

FRESH OFF THE RUN WAY A sampling of the work Wentz has done for the magazines Simply KC and Exposure

This Magazine

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIGID WENTZ

FEATURES

Junior plans to graduate early in pursuit of her dream: designing clothes.

S

BY SEAN OVERTON

enior Lennah Cardozo pops her earphones in, takes a look at her detailed sketchbook of designs, colors and fabric, then lays her pattern out. She knows she has to accomplish a geometric skirt today in order to get her designs ready for her Parsons early-action college application due Nov. 1.

A year ago Cardozo was a sophomore trying to figure out who she was and what her artistic path would be. She never expected to be working on college applications as a 16-year-old, when she had struggled with her identity for years.

After a long time of feeling like an outsider and dealing with self-doubt, Cardozo used fashion to find herself and pursue her dreams of having a successful clothing brand or designing costumes for theater.

“I realized I would never be like anyone else, and that was hard for me because I always had to compare myself to others to get a view of who I actually am,” Cardozo said. “That really hurt growing up because instead of figuring out who I was, I would think, ‘I was like her, and a little bit like this girl but never really me.’”

After sewing for the first time in fashion club last year, Cardozo realized making clothes was her dream. She’s always had a unique point of view that she expresses through her appearance, dying her hair over five colors – from flaming red to mint green – and doing her own personal research projects on other cultures to incorporate in her style. She realized that the individuality she puts into fashion is something she could turn into a career.

To prepare for her future and college applications for schools in cities such as New York and London, Cardozo has been immersing herself into various clothing projects to elevate her portfolio. This summer, Cardozo was also hired as an intern with nationally-recognized fashion designer Peggy Noland, who has designed for Sia and Miley Cyrus. Cardozo was Noland’s first high school intern. Cardozo has learned to push her own boundaries from the experience. “[Noland] really showed me that you can design your own things without it having to be all cookie cutter and she showed me how to embrace a more creative side to myself,” Cardozo said.

Cardozo has implemented Noland’s avant-garde take on clothing into the vision she hopes to have with her own work. She makes clothes with cheetahprint lips, “Kill Bill’ inspired jumpsuits and layered geometrical skirts that are almost

DESIGNING

19

HER

DREAM

PHOTOS DIANA PERCY

costumes – all a reflection of herself.

“I enjoy mystery, something always new and changing since I am always changing,” Cardozo said. “Whether it’s my hair or the way I talk, I always pick up on new things. I just have such a weird mindset that I think of something and want it to happen, it’s my way to share my point of view.

Cardozo knew that she wanted to graduate early to accomplish her goals instead of spending another year in classes that didn’t further her along her career path. To graduate early Cardozo took two online classes and a year of English over the summer. It was people like former drawing teacher Tim Rowland who believed in Cardozo that gave her the confidence to take this leap. He was one of the only teachers Cardozo felt she could talk to when she was feeling alone, and also supported her creativity. “[Cardozo] was a great student for me,” Rowland said. “Our relationship came easy because she loved art. I encouraged her to go beyond her greatest artistic efforts and she always accepted my challenges without hesitation and surpassed my expectations.”

Having this support helped Cardozo have the confidence to graduate early and move. Even though Kansas City has an upcoming fashion scene, Cardozo feels like, to really learn fashion, one has to go to a city where the fashion world is established

and thriving.

Aimee Johnston, Cardozo’s mom, was nervous, but excited for her daughter to leave her daughter to take chances. This support has helped Cardozo to take her own advice of being fearless by taking a chance and moving to a big city next year.

“I have to admit, I was a little taken back by her wanting to graduate early, but when I think about it, it doesn’t surprise me at all,” Johnston said. “[Cardozo] has always been a girl that knows what she wants, and if she is not afraid to go for it, then I am behind her 100 [percent].”

Even though it’s scary for Cardozo to take a path that differs from her peers, she knows that her confidence and likable personality will help her achieve her dreams and continue to further her journey toward self-love.

Cardozo is thankful for the times she’s felt alone and the hard work she has put in, because it has only made her believe in herself more.

“Lennah will do amazingly well, as long as she believes in herself and works as hard as she can to attain everything she wants,” Rowland said. “I believe in her. More importantly, so does she.”

( A B OV E ) Cardozo sits in her room gazing at her clothing designs in her bedroom. | DIANA PERCY ( L E F T ) Cardozo sits outside of Peggy Noland Kansas City, a boutique, where she has an internship. | DIANA PERCY

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BY ELLIE MITCHELL

I

constantly find myself googling motivational speakers whether it’s famous people accepting Academy Awards or everyday people motivating others to be better, I always end up watching the same type of video: TED Talks. TED Talks are videos where different individuals spread ideas, usually in the form of short speeches, 20 minutes or less. It began as a conference in 1984 that involved technology, entertainment and design, or TED. Today, TED Talks cover a vast array of topics: from business to family life to global issues. There are thousands of talks to choose from on Youtube and TED.com, I chose three popular talks to see how they affected what I thought about different topics.

VIDEOSWORTHWATCHING Ted Talks are entertaining and informative videos that feature different speakers

Do Schools KILL Creativity?

Sir Ken Robinson

How to LIVE before you DIE Steve Jobs

SIR KEN ROBINSON stands on the empty stage with his legs caving in as he barely hunches over. He begins by saying that he is “blown away by the whole conference.” Robinson is a British author, speaker and international advisor on education in the arts to government, non-profits, education and arts bodies. He dives into discussing education and how big of an impact education has on people now, and how much of an impact it will have in the future. This made me think about how the education that I am receiving will affect future generations. He challenges my idea on what I will be doing when I retire in 2075 which I think would be laying on the beach somewhere warm. His talk is funny and interesting which keeps me interested in his message.

According to Robinson, “if you’re not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything original. Mistakes are now the worst things you can make and that is educating people out of their creative capacity.” I stopped in my tracks when I heard that. Everyone in today’s society tries to be perfect: getting a 4.0, using editing apps to post the “perfect” photo on Instagram or trying to please your mom by wearing that shirt she bought for you. No one wants to make mistakes; schools have turned mistakes into the biggest sin someone can make. After hearing what Robinson has to say it makes me realize that schools try to make everyone the same. I agree with him in that schools are killing creativity. There is no variation. No teacher tolerates students who do not fit in the tiny box they deem correct. Creative capacities will influence the future and Robinson is correct in that schools are killing that creativity. His talk has been viewed 53 million times leaving people like me with the thought of how schools try to mold every student to be the same.

STEVE JOBS ALWAYS seems like a credible source to listen to. He dropped out of college and somehow became one of the richest men, so I assumed that he would have the right answer to the everlasting question of how I should live before I die. No one will ever have the right answer, but by listening to the late Apple founder, I gained some knowledge on how he believed people should live before dying. In his TED Talk, Jobs says he is going to discuss different stories, his first about dropping out of college. His speech then becomes a little cliche as he discusses how you should always take risks. He goes into detail about his career and being fired from Apple but then rehired proving that college isn’t everything. Everyone knows that Jobs went on to be very successful in his lifetime, but he never really went into detail on how to live before you die. Of course he talks about “finding what you truly love,” and how “sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick but don’t lose faith,” but in his last story he talked about death.

When he started to talk about death it became relevant to the answer I had been seeking. Jobs said that “Remembering that I’m going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking I have something to lose,” and that is how he lived his life. If I can live my life the way he did I think that my life will be better off. He describes how his whole perspective on life after he focused on dying, ironically he died not too long after his talk. Jobs’ TED Talk could have been more powerful to me. I thought I would be getting something different and unique from someone like Jobs. It was the typical “live your life to the fullest” speech like everyone else says. The way Jobs’ talked wasn’t as persuasive as I thought it would be. He didn’t really end up convincing me to live my life that much differently than I do now.

November 1, 2016 TED x Lawrence, KS March 14, 2017 TED x MHK Upcoming TED Events in Kansas City

ft. David Wagner

How to Spot a LIAR Pamela Meyer I HATE PEOPLE who lie to me, especially when I know what they are saying is false. Everyone wants to know how to spot a liar. American author, certified fraud examiner, and entrepreneur, Pamela Meyer’s insight might be able to help me figure out how I can catch people who lie. Clearly she has some credibility with scientific knowledge and data that shows different signs of a liar due to her being a certified fraud examiner. There are many different ways to spot liars.

Meyer starts out by describing how some lies aren’t hurtful, but other times lies can tear people apart. Lying is complex.

Sometimes it seems necessary to tell a small white lie and other times guilt just hangs over my head. Meyer’s argument is a good one to make. She talks about how everyone lies and what different signs of lying are. There are trained lie spotters who will accurately get the truth out of people 90 percent of the time. Meyer suggests that 54 percent of the time regular people can figure out the truth. “Speech and verbal dodging is one way to spot lies, and the other way is body language” according to Meyer. Her tips make me realize all the ways that I catch myself lying; making more eye contact, spilling over my words, trying to act casual. She says that many people get too formal language when lying, for example Bill Clinton’s infamous line “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” Clinton normally would have said “didn’t” instead of “did not.” Trained lie spotters are able to tell who is a liar with how much someone uses eye contact or smiles. After hearing Meyer describe how to spot a liar I thought about myself. I often try to use eye contact when I lie to give off the opposite effect. Normally when someone lies they do not use good eye contact. From her TED Talk I gained lots of insight as to why people lie and the keys to spotting a liar.

CALENDAR 2017

August 21, 2017 TED x KC February 12, 2017 TED x Overland Park ft. Rupi Kaui

22

A&E

W simply DELICIOUS

BY PORTER CARROLL

Simple Science Juices provides quick options for healthy and natural food and juices

ith so many restaurants in Kansas City promoting healthy options, it’s hard to filter out what is actually good for me.

During my search to cleanse my palate from my constant intake of Chic-fil-a and Chipotle, I came upon Simple Science Juice’s website.

“Fuel your contagiously happy, authentic and fun life. Raw. Organic. Local,” the home page claimed.

Not only did their nicely designed website draw me in but also the story behind their juices. I learned that the founder, Steve Sprangler, created Simple Science Juices after being inspired by his personal health experiences. He used different medications to help relieve symptoms that included allergies, ADHD and asthma. To create a healthier life, he changed his lifestyle and incorporated fresh cold-pressed juices filled with raw vitamins, minerals and nutrients into his daily life. This healthy lifestyle eventually enabled him to eliminate all of his medication, while also increasing his energy, mental clarity and vitality.

Why not try something that could help me stay alert and focused throughout my busy day?

On a Wednesday after a day full of learning about derivatives and skin cells, I drove straight to Overland Park to finally try Simple Science Juices.

Since my drive down Metcalf usually consists of views of car dealerships and gas stations, this was not the charming place I was expecting to find. Simple Science Juices is the hidden treasure on Metcalf.

As soon as I walked into the restaurant, my eyes instantly caught sight of the lime green wall with the quote, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” -Hippocrates painted on across it. Simple Science Juices couldn’t live by this any better.

A large refrigerator stood in the back of the store, filled with dozens of juices. I picked up one of the cold juices and read what it was made of as well as its benefits. Each bottle was nicely packaged with a

symbol, similar to elements on the periodic table, to represent the juices name.

I picked out two eight oz. bottles of juice, each costing $5; compared to other juice stores like t.Loft this is on the low end of the price spectrum. The first juice I chose was “Iso” which is filled with pineapple, orange, ginger, turmeric and red cabbage. The label said it was proven to support my digestion, reduce inflammation and fight aging which seemed like only an added bonus. It’s cold, blended fruit flavor filled my mouth, leaving me satisfied and replenished.

Having a strong sweet tooth, the second juice I picked out was “Co” standing for Compound.

Compound was made with sweet potato, orange and pineapple: formulated to promote clear skin, provide respiratory support and fight aging. This orange, light juice was packed with flavor. The juice from the orange and pineapple overpowered the drink making it a sweet treat.

Each juice was filled with right around the sweetness of a ripe orange. I finished both feeling refreshed and rejuvenated like I had just taken a long nap. That re-boost of energy made me feel like I was ready to take on my massive amount of homework.

Before leaving, I was introduced to their crowdpleasing protein balls. They were explained to me by the cashier as “healthy cookie dough” which, of course, triggered that sweet tooth of mine. I chose their most popular protein ball, which was filled with coconut flakes, coconut oil and chia seeds. It had a flaky consistency but left a delicious coconut taste in my mouth.

Simple Science Juices has become my new healthy food haven after learning that it’s not only a refreshing treat, but also an aid to a healthier life. I will be back to satisfy my tastebuds sooner than later.

It’s definitely a store I would recommend to anyone looking for a healthy treat

( L E F T ) A wall located on the left side of the entrance that displays pictures of employees and costumers | AVA SIMONSEN

( T O P ) Two of the many fresh press juice that Simple Science Juices sells | AVA SIMONSEN

( B E LOW ) The two refrigerators that hold the fresh made juices and food | AVA SIMONSEN

(LEFT) A turkey wrap with lettuce, bacon, mayo, red onion and a gluten free wrap | AVA SIMONSEN

A&E

organic

alternatives

zz

zz

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23

Acupuncture, diet, mediation and yoga and positive thinking are all natural options to help improve mental health

BY KALEIGH KOC

W

hen anxiety, stress and depression begin to take control, it can seem like medication is the only option. But there are plenty of ways to improve mental health solely by changing lifestyle choices. Acupuncture, yoga, meditation and diet changes can remedy mental health without popping a pill.

Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE, ACCORDING TO licensed acupuncturist at Home Holistic Family center, Stephanie McGuirk, is “a Chinese medical practice or procedure that treats illness or provides local anesthesia by the insertion of needles at specified sites of the body.” In addition to relieving pain from physical issues, acupuncture is widely used to improve anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

Whenever I hear the word acupuncture, I get a little squeamish.

The fact that people voluntarily pay to get stabbed repeatedly by tiny needles — let alone think this process was going to actually help their health — was beyond me. But after doing more research and talking to McGuirk, I see how acupuncture is more than random stabbings of needles.

McGuirk treats the 14 main meridians, which are pathways for qi, or positive energy. When these meridians are blocked, qi energy is unable to flow through the body, and prolonged blockage results in multiple health concerns. For example, the spleen meridian is connected to worrying or obsessive thinking. To determine what points each patient may need to be treated for, McGuirk goes through an interview process. By knowing a full medical history, McGuirk is able to pinpoint the emotional imbalances the patient is suffering from.

For those of us who are terrified by needles, it may be a good idea to start out with acupressure. Acupressure is the application of pressure, instead of needles, on different points that are also used in acupuncture.

Although needles still make me uneasy, I’ll overcome my predispositions to de-stress myself.

Where you find it

hOMe Holistic

Dr. Stephanie McGuirk’s acupuncture practice 7927 Floyd St, Overland Park, KS 66204 (913)522-1198

5 stars on Yelp!

Positive Thinking

A PERSON’S ENVIRONMENT, relationships and thinking processes have serious impacts on overall mood. If surrounded by people who constantly make you feel inferior, it’s easy to get into a negative cycle of thoughts.

“I think the main thing that people struggle with that makes their mental health decrease is a negative outlook,” Byars said.

“They begin to second-guess themselves. Once you get stuck in that negative thinking, it makes it really hard to rewire your brain to think positively.”

In other words, look at what is the best part of a situation instead of what’s the worst.

Diet

WHETHER IT’S PARENTS nagging toddlers to finish up their veggies or health teachers making sure students know how to read a nutrition label forwards and backwards, we’ve all been force-fed information about the importance of a healthy diet. But I recently stumbled across the fact that diet significantly affects mental health, especially for developing brains.

In fact, there is an entire branch of professionals that believes the consumption of certain inflammatory foods greatly increases anxiety in adolescents.

Anxiety and depression, among other conditions, can all be improved by a higher protein and lower carbohydrate diet. ‘Overfocus’ diseases can be improved by lower protein, high carbohydrate diets. This includes OCD, PTSD, eating disorders and other disorders.

Vitamins and natural supplements can target certain mental health issues and mitigate their effects. For instance, 5-HTP can help with other mental health issues that are caused by overfocus. Vitamin E can improve cyclic disorders, such as bipolar disorder and premenstrual syndrome. GABA can improve anxiety and SAMe can improve depression.

The things we choose to put in our body affect not only our physical health, but our mental health as well.

Where you find it Simple Science Juices Cold-press juice and healthy food bar 8126 Floyd St Overland Park, KS 66204 (913) 808-5509

5 stars on Yelp!

Although all these methods can help mental health significantly, I am in no way saying that medication is a negative thing. Therapy and or medication can be the answer for some, but you might as well try to solve issues naturally first. If natural methods fail, there is no shame in reaching out for professional help.

“People need to reach out when they have any thoughts at all about people being better off without [them] or [they] wish they wouldn’t wake up, then they definitely need to reach out for help,” Byars said.

Mediation & Yoga

I HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN YOGA is good for the mind and soul, but I brushed it aside as exercise for lazy people. Now I am aware of the multiple positive effects of the exercise.

For depression and anxiety, the breathing techniques practiced in yoga can serve as a useful coping mechanism, according to psychotherapist at Family Life Clinic, Janet Byars.

Yoga teaches breathing techniques and stretches and helps people become more aware of their bodies and emotions. This means that once someone feels a panic attack coming on, they are more conscious of it and can control themselves by employing deep breathing techniques to calm down, according to Byars.

Meditation improves overall mental health by practicing mindfulness, which is the practice of being present in the moment or in whatever activity you are partaking in.

Byars suggests that when with friends, focus on your relationships, instead of that class that keeps you up at night.

Focus on the food you’re consuming instead of the surrounding conversations.

There are two sides of the brain – left brain, where focus is the dominant function, and right brain, where emotional trauma often lies. By practicing mindfulness during meditation and yoga, you essentially are staying out of your right brain and utilizing the left brain.

Where you find it Kundalini Yoga & Meditation Yoga studio 3525 Walnut St Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 561-5337

5 stars on Yelp!

Where you find it KC Marriage and Family Life Clinic Family counseling 8100 Marty St #107, Overland Park, KS 66204

24

FEATURES

10695 Roe Ave www.mclainskc.com

BY MEG THOMA

P

ulling up to McLain’s Market right off of 107th and Roe, I knew it wasn’t going to be my beloved bakery tucked away on the corner of Gregory and Grand that I had always associated the name with.

I was not greeted by beautiful stone architecture as I walked in the door, and I didn’t hear the ding of the bell overhead as the door swung open. But I did smell the same scent of fresh butter rolls baking in the oven and it still was the same welcoming feeling of a sunshine-filled bakery. It’s not the bakery I’m used to, but rather a more revamped version of it. It may have been a change, but it was for the better in some ways.

The rustic, wood-paneled building had caught my eye every time I drove by. The goal of the market which opened on Oct. 11 was to create a sister store to the bakery located in Waldo. For the new store, they not only updated the font in the logo, but they lengthened hours till 9 p.m. Also, instead of having only baked goods and treats, they have expanded the menu with dishes such as soups, salads and juices.

The concept of the market was mainly to add new items and make McLain’s an option for lunch or dinner. They have still kept many of the classics, though, like their famous chocolate chip cookie cup and my favorite, the butter rolls, which still were up to the light and flaky standards of the originals from the Waldo bakery.

Staffer reviews the new McLain’s Market

Waiting in line really tested my selfcontrol, being surrounded by baked goods ranging from cheese danishes to thumbprint cookies. It was hard not to tell the cashier “the whole case” – so I settled with a vanilla cupcake, a sprinkle cookie, a cake bite, a raspberry butter roll and a carrot muffin – just short of everything. This ensured I got my fix of the baked goods and I didn’t even have to break a $20.

As I wandered my way to my seat, I noticed the rustic lights hanging from the ceiling and the potted succulents hanging from the wall.

What really caught my eye was the outdoor seating, decorated with strung lights, fall themed flowers and an open roof to let the light of day in. This was definitely a perk of this location compared to the other that had no outdoor options.

I took my first bite of the carrot muffin as I sat down and it felt as if it had marked the beginning of fall. The cinnamon, carrot and pumpkin combination in the spongy cake epitomized this feeling I’ve been longing for all month. Thinking it couldn’t get any better, I tried the cupcake which was so simple, yet so satisfying, with vanilla cake, icing and decorated with crystal sprinkles. The cream cheese icing coated the mini cake with the perfect ratio of icing to cake.

I decided to wash the treats down with the green breakfast juice, a combination of kale, orange, apples and lemon juice which is made fresh in store daily.

Being anti-kale for most of my life, I thought this would just be a quick sip, but I ended up polishing it off and was left feeling refreshed.

The mix of the citrus and vegetables made for a drink that I knew delivered my daily dose of veggies, but highlighted mostly the sweet flavors of the fruits.

I felt as if I had to go back in line and try the salad that had been on my mind since I checked out the menu online, “The CranApple,” which I would soon take my family back to try. Although I was left unsatisfied with the overly-crunchy, iceberg lettuce, I found myself getting past that with the crispy chicken and the housemade dressing containing actual diced apple and cranberry sauce.

The market, as a whole, gave me just what I was looking for in terms of ambiance, a variety of options on the menu and all at a fair price for the quality baked goods and lunch options. After spending an unnecessary amount of time snapping pictures of the mini cacti centerpieces, I finally left and was more than satisfied with my overall experience.

( A B OV E ) The carrot muffin and raspberry butter roll that Meg tried. | KATHERINE ODELL

( B E LOW ) The “CranApple” salad that Meg tried. | KATHERINE ODELL

Super senior Rahjee Byers works hard towards his football carreer despite not being able to play in games

BY CALEB KRAKOW

“T

he past years, including this year, I’ve been labeled as a bad, evil person who shouldn’t be playing football,” super senior Rahjee Byers said. “Those are the exact words I hear about myself, but that isn’t the real Rahjee Byers.”

Byers transferred to East after flunking two of his senior year classes at Shawnee Mission West last year. His journey to East took him through injuries and altercations that have humbled his personality and taught him self-respect and patience.

The journey began Byers’ junior year when he said he started to take football seriously following two years of being “a knucklehead” who didn’t care about school. Byers’ love for football grew stronger once he learned he was faster and could lift more weight than any of his teammates. That same year Byers separated his shoulder through an offseason injury that eliminated him from being the top running back at West.

When he came back on the third game of the season, his coach assigned him as third-string running back. This only pushed Byers to spend more time in the weight room, rebuilding his strength to getting him back at the top.

Through hard work and dedication Byers finished junior year as one of the best running backs in the league, impressing coaches and scouts with his ability to run the ball. Byers started getting recruited by local colleges like the University of Kansas and Kansas State University.

He conditioned everyday to be ready for his senior season.

When it finally did start, Byers started to get noticed even more for his extraordinary talent. At the time he had two offers for full ride contracts. His future career in college football seemed promising — until the third game of the season against Shawnee Mission North.

“I was running and ran out of bounds and the whistle was blown, and boom he hit my leg. After that I didn’t get back up, and I ain’t ever not gotten back up.” Byers said. “The pain was so intense, I had felt nothing like it.”

Byers later learned he had a hair pin fracture and a high ankle sprain. He wasn’t given the option of a cast, leaving rest as the only cure for his injuries. Byers dismissed his doctor’s advice to rest and decided to train and play harder in hopes of creating a speedier recovery for his leg.

“I put my brace on for practice but every time I tried to cut, it was a shot of pain and my leg cracked,” Byers said, wincing at the thought of his pain. “It got worse and worse. This made me angry, it put me in a deep dark hole of emotions. I turned into an angry person because I couldn’t play the sport I loved like I used to be able to.”

Byers eventually figured out he couldn’t play through the pain. He began to lie to his coach before practice and say he was headed to a doctor’s appointment, when he was actually just going home. Eventually, his anger had built up so much that he got into a physical altercation with another teammate in the locker room.

The day after the incident, Byers was called to the office and told he would be suspended for 10 days and kicked off the

PHOTOS HALEY BELL

football team. This was the tipping point for Byers and caused him to temporarily lose all hope in his football career. After the 10 days suspension, he came back, struggled to get his grades up, and ended up flunking two classes first semester.

“Without football I thought there ain’t no purpose of me being here, football was all I really cared about in my life that’s all I got. Truthfully I believe the only thing I can do (in life) is sports,” Byers said. “Then second semester of my senior year came and I was just an idiot, I was so stupid. I used to literally go to school and leave just to make my momma think I was going to school.”

With his poor grades and low attendance record, Byers ended up not being able to graduate. He was told he would have to repeat his senior year. His mom, Lateefah Byers decided that he and his younger sister deserved a better education, which led them to East.

The college offers he once had were revoked after he flunked his senior year of high school. Once at East, Byers spoke with the principal and athletic director. He made his plan clear: he would graduate, receive his diploma, become a college athlete and if the time came, play in the NFL. “It’s one thing to sit around and dream about wanting to have a lot of money, drive a fancy car and have a job that you love and it’s another thing to actually do it and to do the hard work needed to achieve that,” Principal John McKinney said.

“Rahjee isn’t just talking about it he’s actually doing it,” Being ineligible to play in games for the East football team hasn’t stopped Byers from practicing with the them.

This also hasn’t stopped his commitment to play football and achieve his longtime goal of walking onto the Colorado State University football team and then eventually playing professional football.

“Rahjee is an unbelievable athlete he is almost a freak of nature. I wish we could have him playing for us right now,” senior football player and friend Jake Randa said. “He most definitely has the talent to make it (to the NCAA) and he has the work ethic to make it too, I’ve never seen a kid work as hard as him in the weight room, it is crazy, the kid has it all.”

His teammates describe him as an upbeat and friendly kid who they would never have believed has been through so much. He plans on working to get a 22 on the ACT and increase his GPA from a 2.3 to a 2.5 by the end of the year. He is going to achieve all of this by working with many tutors and taking the ACT as many times as he can until he gets the score he wants. He would also like to study sports management in college and either become a sports agent or a coach if he can’t make it to the NFL. After many mistakes he believes he’s finally on the right path and is going to follow it to greatness.

“I know I’m going to the NFL, honestly, right now I really don’t see my situation as a bad thing for me. It has humbled me and taught me to think before I do something,” Byers said.

“I see it as a booster and now I’m stronger and faster than ever. I think God was just telling me this wasn’t your time just wait, be patient, get stronger get bigger.”

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36

SPORTS A recap of each sport as the fall season comes to a close. Lancer girls golf and tennis teams have already secured second place trophies, while other sports will have their shot at a state title in the following week.

BY WILL CLOUGH PHOTOS HALEY BELL, KAITLYN STRATMAN, ELLEN SWANSON, EMILY KOHRING & LIBBY WILSON

FINAL SM East v. SM West

SME SMW

54 0

Football Volleyball

BOYS FOOTBALL 10.21.16

BOYS SOCCER 10.25.16

EMMA HENDERSON SENIOR

Soccer 3 0

Tennis

GIRLS GOLF 10.17.16

FINAL SAY

I attribute most of our success this season to how close we were as a team. Golf is an individual sport, but we made each other want to play for more than our individual scores JESSICA PARKER SENIOR

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Tennis has been one of my favorite activities at East and I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have asked for a better group of girls to surround myself with every day

STANLEY MORANTZ SENIOR

351 332

SME BVN

FINAL SAY

We want to play in the memory of the two East teams before us who were knocked out by BVNW in substate

SME WR

FINAL SM East places second at State

GIRLS TENNIS 10.15.16

GAME PLAN

FINAL SM East places second at State

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We have been practicing really intensely and watching films on all our opponents [to prepare for state]

CARL YOUNG SENIOR

3 0

SME BVHS

GAME PLAN

Our plan is to go into the game and have everyone focus on doing their specific job every single play

SME BVN

FINAL SM East Substate Blue Valley

VOLLEYBALL 10.22.16

GAME PLAN

FINAL SM East v. BV North

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SPORTS

Golf

Cross Country

QUINCY BAIR SENIOR

FINAL SM East boys win SMNW Regional

SME SMNW

BOYS XC 10.22.16

59 62

GAME PLAN

After a third place finish at state last year, we are ready to prove that we can win it all this year JACK YOUNG SENIOR

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SPORTS

A F I N A L FAREWELL

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BY EMILY FEY

Seniors reflect on their final high school sports season

enior Joie Freirich is notorious for two things on the girls varsity tennis team: her incredible skill with a racket and her unfaltering positivity.

“Joie is just really nice and very positive,” junior and varsity tennis player Larkin McLiney said. “She never gets upset. Even if I’m playing badly, she would never get mad at me. She is always positive in every situation.”

Freirich is able to stay positive by always keeping a positive outlook on life. On her bad days, she reminds herself that no matter what, things could be worse.

“I have a good understanding that no one is perfect and life has its ups and downs,” Freirich said. “If I’m having a rough day or not playing well I remind myself that tennis is just a game and I am very lucky to be able to play the sport.”

Freirich plans on continuing tennis in college at the University of Milwaukee Wisconsin. She is already looking forward to using her undying spirit and learning to become

JOHN ARNSPIGER

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just as close with her new team as she was with the East team this past year.

“It will take some time to get to know the girls and warm up to everybody,” Freirich said. “But I have already met them all and they are really nice.”

As for her doubles partner Larkin McLiney and the rest of the returning varsity players, the feeling of losing Freirich’s daily smiles on and off the court next year is bittersweet.

“Luckily, we are only losing two [top six players] so most of our team will still be there,” McLiney said. “I just hope I can fill Joie’s shoes.”

CROSS COUNTRY

n the 18th hole at Country Club of Leawood, Senior Teagan Noblit began to cry. Wiping her eyes, she walked up to her Titleist ball with the Lancer emblem on it and aligned it with the hole. She pulled her putter back, tapped the ball, heard it roll into the cup, and knew her competitive golf career end.

Noblit has decided to opt out of playing golf in college.

However, it isn’t the pride she gets from qualifying for all four state tournament or Monday through Thursday practices every week that she is going to miss most.

“The biggest thing I’m going to miss is just having that team feeling,” Noblit said.

Over this past summer, Noblit contemplated if playing girls golf her senior year was worth the countless 18-hole rounds and golf glove tan lines. Nannying every day over the summer, she found it hard to motivate herself to practice her swing and putting.

But what persuaded her to stick with the sport was helping her team get to the state tournament, especially the

JOIE FRIEREICH TENNIS

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hroughout elementary and middle school, senior John Arnspiger planned on wearing the jersey and helmet of the East football team. But when he tore his sciatic nerve in seventh grade, the injury gave him a slim chance of ever playing football again. He then had to make a choice – it was either no fall sport or cross country.

At first lacing up his running shoes in the locker room every day after school felt like a hard change from sliding on a sweatfilled football helmet, but he found a way to make all the extra miles of running worth it: his team.

“At first, my sister was the reason I started running and kept up with it,” Arnspiger said. “But now it’s the other guys I run with. I have good friendships with guys I have run with my entire high school career.”

Arnspiger thinks his interest in running will come to a close when he hits 40 years-old, but he expects the relationships he has built to stick around. His friendships with the other varsity runners, such as seniors Mick Wiggins, Will Clough and Jack Young, have become stronger through their participation in the cross country program.

“I wouldn’t hang out with those guys after school everyday if it weren’t for cross country practice,” Arnspiger said. “Being at practice at the same time and the same place and going through all the hard work together has really helped us stick together.”

TEAGAN NOBLIT GOLF

seniors.

“When you play on a team, you aren’t just playing for yourself, you are playing for everybody on that team,” Noblit said. “All five of the seniors are really close, so it motivates you to try your hardest.”

The seniors have solidified their bonds with bi-weekly team dinners, sleepovers where they rant about their difficulty getting out of the sand trap, comparing who has the worst sock tan line and singing songs on van rides to invitational tournaments.

“You need to take advantage of all the moments,” Noblit said. “I wish I would’ve practiced more, had more team dinners or hung out with the girls more – just embrace the team more.”

PHOTOS MORGAN BROWNING

SPORTS

MESHING BETTER

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TOGETHER ( A B OV E ) Senior Sarah Maddox talks with her teammate during a break | KAITLYN STRATMAN ( L E F T ) Junior Ally Huffman sets a ball to her teammate to spike it into the other team’s court during a practice | KAITLYN STRATMAN

PHOTOS KAITLYN

BY SCOUT RICE

D

uring the third and final game of sub-state against Blue Valley, the varsity volleyball team held their breath. The score was 28-27; just one point stood in the way of moving on to state. Junior Victoria Yedo served the game-point ball, aiming deep right, and no one on the opposing team touched it. The ace landed barely on the 2-inch line – a point for East.

The girls on the bench flooded the court, forming a clump of bodies in the center as they embraced one another in shock.

They were going to state for the first time since 2009.

Last year, the Lancer volleyball team lost in the second round of sub-state to Blue Valley Northwest.

This recent win at the sub-state tournament on Oct. 22 was their redemption, according to senior Sara Maddox.

The volleyball team accomplished their goal of playing at state through strong leadership from the seniors, who have built a unique closeness within the team.

“We play really well together and the energy on the court is positive which has really helped us,” senior Emma Henderson said.

As one of the four seniors, Henderson feels that there is no shortage of leadership on the court. In comparison to last year with only one senior, these four seniors have helped keep the team on track and focused in

Bonds formed on the volleyball team help prepare them for a state championship run order to get to state.

“There is not a bad seed in this group and there are four seniors on this team, so we really take a leadership role on the court to help communication and make the team more cohesive,” Henderson said.

To prepare for this season, head coach Patty Phillips has been working

again was a realistic team goal. “[The assistant coach and I] looked at them realistically over the summer, including talent level, and we had the expectation that we would go to state this year,” Phillips said. “We were so close last year, and having this special mesh and the seniors having an extra year of club [volleyball] under their belt, gave us the expectation and goal that we should go to state.”

According to seniors Maddox and Henderson, another We play really well together and main contributing factor to the team’s success, besides the energy on the court is positive consistently harder practices which has really helped us and drills, is the supportive and enthusiastic atmosphere EMMA HENDERSON on the court. The seniors have SENIOR built this foundation through interactions off the court. These bonding activities include senior Sara with seniors towards building a Maddox’s favorite, chair volleyball positive and intense practice routine. with residents at Claridge Court.

By watching videos and analyzing the In her third year as head coach, way other high-ranking teams play, Phillips has seen the team grow they have been focusing specifically in consistently stronger each year. She practices on drills and plays that will came into the program when it was play to their advantage on the court. ranked last in the state, with only six “We want to push a little more wins compared to the 25 losses. The outside the box each practice so that seniors have seen the team progress [the team] does get better,” Phillips from this point, ending last season at said. “So we set our goals and for this 27-9, and ending this year playing at reason the team is peaking at just the state. right moment.”

“Our main goal was just to get to Going into this season, Phillips state, play the best that we can and if evaluated her team knowing that the we were to win at state, it would be a four seniors would fill any leadership great perk,” Henderson said. void. She realized that going to state

( L E F T ) Seniors Ally Offerdahl and Emma Henderson share a laugh from across the net | KAITLYN STRATMAN ( R I G H T ) Junior Sydney Ashner bumps a ball to her teammates to start a rally during the team’s daily practice | KAITLYN STRATMAN

STATE PREPARATION Here are a few things the team has implemented to succeed at state:

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FILM STUDY Unlike years past, the team has started watching film on opposing teams to prepare for the upcoming state tournament

ANALYZING PLAYS Along with studying film, the team has started analyzing the plays of opposing teams that they watch in film

CRYOTHERAPY

To make sure their bodies are fresh for state, Seniors Emma Henderson and Sarah Maddox have attended cryotherapy, which immerses the body in extreme cold steam to heal muscles

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ALT-COPY

BY LUCY HOFFMANN

WE’VE ALL BEEN there: an hour until your Halloween party, and you still have no clue what you

want to dress up as. I have always loved brainstorming and creating costumes, my favorite being Lady Gaga in fifth grade. However, this Halloween snuck up on us. Have no fear, the quick list of costumes you can put together in a flash is here.

S N A P C H AT F L O W E R C R O W N F I L T E R YOU DON’T NEED

to worry about finding your angles with this hippie-favorite Snapchat filter. Grab some makeup and a flower crown, and you’ll have an ultra-cute (and lazy) costume in no time. Start by applying an ample amount of highlighter around the top of your cheekbones, bridge of the nose, middle of the forehead and chin. I used a Benefit cream

illuminator and a pressed highlighter from Maybelline to give me a natural glow. Next put on simple pants and a white shirt and let your flower crown shine. I made my own flower crown by using wire, florist tape and faux flowers, but you could easily buy one at Michael’s or Target.

For my products, I used a cream illuminator and a pressed highlighter to give me a natural glow.

PINEAPPLE THIS COSTUME IS

perfect for those who want to have a unique costume for less money.

It takes a little more effort and time than the other two costumes, but it’s worth it. All you need is an oversized yellow shirt, green construction paper, a sharpie and a hair clip or hat. Start by adding upside-down “v”s with a sharpie onto your shirt in quick, rounded strokes. For the top of the pineapple, cut long strips of green construction

paper, and attach them to the hair clip or hat in a “fountain” arrangement using hot glue. After everything is dried, assemble the costume and arrive to your party in style. The hardest part for me while making the costume, was getting the headpiece to look realistic. I ended up going back and painting the clip green, like the leaves.

I bought my shirt at Michael’s for $3 and had the rest of the materials on hand.

ROSIE THE RIVETER EMBRACE YOUR INNER feminist with this perfect costume that uses clothing items you already own. Start with a dark denim button up, black jeans and combat boots. Swirl your hair into a stylish updo, like a bun or ponytail, and throw on a red headband to complete the look. For my headband, I used some red leftover stretchy

fabric, and dotted on some polka dots using white nail polish. Nail polish is great if you are looking for a paint that doesn’t take forever to dry. I had all of the items from previous shopping sprees, but you could get any of them from Target or Walmart for less than $30 total. Throw on everything and walk out the door looking spectacular.

PHOTOS ANNIE LOMSHEK

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PHOTOESSAY

OUR TOWN OUR PLAY Students performed the fall play “Our Town” on October 27, 28 and 29

( A B OV E ) Junior Chris Justice plays the role of Professor Willard. “I didn’t have to do much prep because I’m playing a character very similar to myself. We both share a love of history,” Justice said. | MADDIE SMILEY

( FA R A B OV E ) Juniors Jackson Bush and Gwen Madden play the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs. “I’ve been doing theater for almost my whole life, but this has been one of the coolest experiences, to be able to really immerse myself in this time period,” Madden said. “Because I’m a junior taking AHAP, I’m learning American history while having to put myself into the history for the play.” | MORGAN BROWNING ( A B OV E ) Sophomore Luke Knopke leads the church choir as his character, town drunkard Simon Stimson.

“In the beginning, I was a lot quieter, but my character is really loud and obnoxious, so I had to work on being louder,” Knopke said. | MORGAN BROWNING

( A B OV E M I D D L E ) Freshmen Anna Mitchell and Elizabeth Fredrick watch a movie backstage during a break. During the dress rehearsal, the cast got a chance to eat and relax during an intermission break. | MORGAN BROWNING ( A B OV E B O T T O M ) Juniors Claire Evans and Davis Vaughn play the characters of Emily and George. Going into her junior year, Evans read the script and watched the show over the summer. “I could see myself as the past of Emily,” Evans said. “I went up to my dad and said, ‘Dad, I can be Emily.’ It was really cool when I actually got that part.” | MORGAN BROWNING ( L E F T ) As a junior, Jackson Bush has his first lead role in an East play as Mr. Gibbs. | ELLEN SWANSON