The Harbinger: Issue 7

the harbinger.

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 7500 MISSION ROAD VILLAGE , PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS 66208

DEC 4, 2017 VOLUME LIX ISSUE 7

F L O AT L I K E Though humble about his accomplishments, junior Tyler Jones is relentless in the ring

COV ER DESIGN LIZZIE K AHLE COVER PHOTO DIANA PERCY

THE HARBINGER

2 CONTENTS

table of contents. editorial

Juveniles shouldn’t face life sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

NEWS

News briefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 SME Can Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SME STUDENT STORE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SAAC visits Hope House, New turf installation. . . . . . . 7

peek inside.

A more detailed look at a few stories in the issue

REVAMPING THE RETAIL

E

THROUGH HURTING

HEALING

DRIVING PASSION

PAGE 6 | NEWS

PAGE 9 | OPINION

PAGE 20 | FEATURES

SME Student Store revamps its image with a new website and consumer-inspired products

Junior staffer Lucy Kendall shares her experience with a depression diagnosis and finding strength despite mental illness

Junior Dalton Reck’s life revolves around his cars, a passion he hopes to incorporate in his career

OPINION

JOURNEY WITH DEPRESSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 “Bromance” across the aisle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 An open letter to the boys of fall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Coding is a vital skill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

F E AT U R E S

Pursuing interest in law enforcement. . . . . . . . . . . . 14 .

Alumna’s gap year experience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Junior Tyler Jones’ boxing success. . . . . . . . . . . . 16/17 Debate’s friendship culture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18 Married teachers Shawn and Jennifer Hair. . . . . . . . 19 JUNIOR DALTON RECK’S CAR PASSION . . . . . . . .20

A&E

“Code Switch” podcast review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 “Turtles All the Way Down” review. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Thrift shop reviews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Bloom Bakery and Scratch Bakery reviews . . . . . . . . 25 “Women to Watch” artist review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

SPORTS

Freshman five swimmers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Winter sports tryout recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 .

Club soccer team’s bond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

MORE

Junior Dalton Reck’s car photo story. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 AP Physics 2 boats photo story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Taylor Swift alt-copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

editorial policy.

The Harbinger is a student-run publication. Published editorials express the views of the Harbinger staff. Signed columns published in the Harbinger express the writer’s personal opinion. The contents and views of the Harbinger do not represent the student body, faculty, administration or Shawnee Mission School District. The Harbinger will not share any unpublished content, but quoted material may be confirmed with sources. The Harbinger encourages letters to the editors, but reserves the right to reject them for reasons including but not limited to lack of space, multiple letters of the same topic and personal attacks contained in the letter. The Harbinger will not edit content though letters may be edited for clarity, length, libel or mechanics. Letters should be sent to room 521 or emailed to smeharbinger@gmail.com

| ava simonsen

| Ellie thoma

| Grace Goldman

the harbinger staff.

PRINT EDITORS-INCHIEF Grace Chisholm Robbie Veglahn ASST. PRINT EDITORS Emily Fey Lizzie Kahle HEAD COPY EDITOR Daisy Bolin ART & DESIGN EDITOR Katie Hise ONLINE EDITORS-INCHIEF Reser Hall Kaleigh Koc ASST. ONLINE EDITORS Annabelle Cook Will Tulp PRINT SECTION EDITORS Editorial- Caroline Chisholm News- Lucy Patterson Opinion- Gracie Kost & Scout Rice Features- Lila Tulp & Abby Walker Spread- Annabelle Cook A&E- Grace Padon & Liddy Stallard Sports- Elias Lowland

PAGE DESIGNERS Anna McClelland Carolyn Popper Jackie Cameron Natasha Thomas Gabby Leinbach Brynn Winkler Kaylin McCann Sarah Wilcox Sarah Bledsoe Meg Thoma Elizabeth Ballew Ava Johnson

PHOTO EDITORS Diana Percy Ellie Thoma Carson Holtgraves

STAFF ARTISTS Donna Kay

HEAD PHOTO MENTOR Izzy Zanone

COPY EDITORS Mac Newman Madeline Hlobik Abby Walker Harrison Gooley Reser Hall Kaleigh Koc Annabelle Cook Will Tulp Caroline Chisholm Scout Rice Lucy Patterson Alex Freeman Pauline Shaver Daisy Bolin STAFF WRITERS Lucia Barraza Miranda Hack Jackie Cameron Maya Stratman

ASST. PHOTO EDITORS Grace Goldman Print- Audrey Kesler Online- Maddie Smiley SME PHOTOS EDITOR Carson Holtgraves

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Tyler Browning Ellen Swanson Reilly Moreland Luke Hoffman Lucy Morantz Elizabeth Anderson Ava Simonsen Morgan Plunkett Katherine Odell Katherine McGinness Hadley Hyatt Ally Griffith Kate Nixon Aislinn Menke Kathleen Deedy ONLINE SECTION EDITORS News- Alex Freeman

Sports- Jet Semrick A&E- Kaylin McCann Homegrown- Pauline Shaver Opinion- Miranda Hack Eastipedia- Lucy Kendall Humans of East- Kate Nixon MOBILE MEDIA EDITORS Anna Kanaley Lucy Hoffman ASST. MOBILE MEDIA EDITOR Brooklyn Terrill VIDEO EDITOR Avery Walker ASST. VIDEO EDITOR Drake Woods VIDEO TRAINING EDITOR Nic Bruyere LIVE BROADCAST EDITOR Peyton Watts WEBMASTER Marti Fromm PODCAST EDITOR Lucy Patterson

ANCHORS Ian Schutt Drake Woods INTERACTIVE EDITORS Will Tulp Annabelle Cook MULTIMEDIA STAFF Ian Schutt Dylan King Maggie Schutt Reilly Moreland EDITORIAL BOARD Grace Chisholm Robbie Veglahn Reser Hall Kaleigh Koc Emily Fey Lizzie Kahle Annabelle Cook Will Tulp Daisy Bolin Anna McClelland Anna Kanaley Lucy Hoffman Brooklyn Terrill Harrison Gooley Caroline Chisholm

DECE MBER 4, 2017

JUSTICE forJUVENILES

DESIGN CA R OLI NE C HI SHOLM

EDITORIAL

3

State-level justice systems should not continue to sentence juveniles of life-without-parole

FOR: 13

TFOR: x

he Supreme Court met Nov. 21 to consider whether to hear two separate juvenile cases, asking each of them to ban the possible life-withoutparole sentence, in line with the Eighth Amendment’s guarantee against cruel and unusual punishments. For the past decade the court has been moving in the direction of justice for juveniles.

Yet only 25 states have hopped on the bandwagon. The Supreme Court is beginning to sound like a broken record – half of our country is still are wrongly treating and convicting juvenile criminals as adults.

In 2005, the Supreme Court banned the death penalty for minors. In 2010, it outlawed juvenile sentences of life without the possibility of parole in all cases but homicide. In 2012, it barred mandatory sentences of life without parole for juveniles in all cases, yet state-level justice systems are continuing to issue this sentence.

Now, the United States is the only country that sentences juveniles to lifewithout-parole. There are approximately 2,570 inmates who committed a crime when they were too young to buy a beer that are now serving this sentence – and 59 percent of them were first time offenders, according to fairsentencingofyouth.org.

AGAINST: 2 To the rest of the world, our country is known as the land of redemption, of second chances, of “living the American Dream.”

Yet our justice system continues to not only refute these ideals, but fails to recognize how children are constitutionally different than adults.

The adolescent brain is not fully developed until one’s mid-twenties, according to npr.org. Adults use the prefrontal cortex to make decisions, while adolescents use the amygdala which is responsible for impulse decisions and fails to notice risk. Also, a majority of inmates who committed crimes when they were under the age of 18 reported being prone to high levels of abuse and violence in their homes.

In fact, nearly 54 percent of juvenile inmates reported witnessing violence in their homes. 47 percent reported being victims of physical abuse, while 76 percent reported being victims of sexual assault, according to fairsentencingofyouth.org.

The fact that these statistics are being looked over in juvenile cases is a failure of our justice system.

A prime example of this failure is Cyntoia Brown. At 16-years-old, Brown was tried in Tennessee as an adult for killing a 43-year-old man who solicited her for

sex. After being found guilty of murder and prostitution, she was sentenced to life in prison in 2004, and is not eligible for parole until 2073. According to the NY Daily Times, Brown testified during her trial that she was beaten, choked and raped frequently in her home.

During the 13 years Brown has been imprisoned, she has earned her GED and associate’s degree through an in-jail program.

While crimes like murder and prostitution deserve jail time, regardless of the age at which they were committed, Brown is proof that juvenile inmates are more able to learn from their past and rehabilitate themselves while in jail.

Therefore, sentencing a child to a lifewithout-parole is nothing but cruel and unjust.

Yet states like Louisiana and Michigan are still failing to recognize how juvenile criminals are different than adult criminals.

Together they hold more than a quarter of all juvenile lifers, according to the New York Times. On a local level, the numbers are worse: prosecutors in New Orleans are seeking life-without-parole in half of all juvenile homicide cases. In West Baton Rouge Parish, 100 percent.

Despite the global consensus that

children do not hold the same amount of responsibility and recognition as adults, states like Louisiana and Michigan are continuing to be unfair and ignorant in their rulings – and taxpayers have to foot the bill.

Home to only five percent of the world’s population, the U.S. houses nearly a quarter of the world’s prisoners. Per year, it costs an average of $70,000 to incarcerate each inmate, according to fairsentencingofyouth. org. For a single child to be sentenced to life, it would cost the government an average of $4 million. Collectively, the near 3,000 inmates serving juvenile life without parole will cost taxpayers $6.2 billion over their lifetimes.

These billions of dollars could be instead allocated to school systems, public libraries and food shelters – things that could better our nation’s youth. Instead, we are spending our money incarcerating them.

Our country should grant these children second chances, for the sake of the hundreds of juveniles in states like Louisiana and Michigan who have spent years rehabilitating themselves. To reaffirm the Supreme Court’s role as the ultimate referee of the Constitution, these life sentences need to be banned for good.

AGAINST: x

Juvenile Life without Parole in Numbers

59% $4 of children sentenced to LWP are first time offenders

million is the total cost to incarcerate a child for life

25

14

states ban or do not use life without parole on children

of juvenille lifers are convicted of felony murder, meaning they didn’t actually kill the victim

2570

children are currently convicted and serving life without parole

INFORMATION COURTEST Y OF FAIRSENTENCINGOF YOUTH.ORG

DESIGN LUCY PAT TERS ON

4 NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

THE HARBINGER

BY PEY TON WAT TS Staff Writer

EAST

LOCAL

Two soccer players selected for Kansas All State Team

Size problems arise in Jackson County Detention Center

Senior Collyn Lowry and junior Charley Colby were named 1st Team All-State boys soccer players on Nov. 22 in the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s 6A division.

Lowry also won 6A Goalkeeper of the Year on the same day. Being selected for the 1st Team At the end of the season, coaches from the league nominated up to six of their players who were displayed excellent skills throughout the course of the season. After nominations were submitted, KSHSAA sent a poll detailing the nominated players to the league’s coaches, so they could vote for those they believed should be selected for the all-state team. For Lowry, being selected was very surprising.

“I was honestly pretty shocked,” Lowry said, “I was hanging out with some friends, and I looked down at my phone, and I saw that Coach Kelly had tweeted out that Colby and I were 1st Team All-State and that I had won the award.”

Lowry plans on continuing his soccer career in college and has received offers from University of Colorado - Colorado Springs and Baker University. Colby will return to East for his senior season next year.

Inside the Jackson County Detention Center in Kansas City, MO, correctional officer Jerry Emery was brutally beaten on Nov. 20 by 20-year-old inmate Johnny R. Dunlap. The officer was sent to a nearby hospital in critical condition with nasal and facial bone fractures.

The Jackson County jail is facing overcrowding according to an unnamed former corrections officer interviewed by Fox 4. Emery was the only guard stationed in Pod C, which is typically meant to hold low-risk inmates. However, due to the over-housing issue, it held inmates with true disciplinary problems on the day of the incident. To investigate the overpopulation issue inside the jail, County Executive Frank White announced that a new task force will be deployed to the facility.

White released a statement via Twitter two days after the incident: “[Criticized] heavily for not wanting new jail. Not the case. Size is the issue. Task force to help in this determination.”

“There were concerns I had that I definitely passed on up to my supervisors, so it was not like they were blind to this,” the former correctional officer told Fox 4 reporter Shannon O’Brien. “[Emery] is a very nice guy, and he certainly did not deserve to get assaulted or put on a ventilator, but having him by himself in charge of a place like C-Pod was just asking for trouble.”

Emery is currently in stable condition. Dunlap now facing charges that could sentence him to life in prison.

NATIONAL President Trump creates controversy over Person of the Year nomination

President Donald Trump said in a tweet Nov. 24 that he was a potential Time Magazine “Person of the Year,” however TIME says no such interaction occurred.

“Time Magazine called to say that I was PROBABLY going to be named “Man (Person) of the Year,” like last year,” President Trump tweeted. “But I would have to agree to an interview and a major photo shoot. I said probably is no good and took a pass. Thanks anyway!”

TIME Magazine’s Chief Content Officer Alan Murray responded to Trump’s tweet by stating, “Amazing. Not a speck of truth here.”

TIME magazine said they don’t release who will be their pick for Person of the Year until Dec. 6. Several Twitter members and news analysts have critiqued Trump for the allegedly false tweet. If President Trump was actually offered the title of Person of the Year, announcing to the public that he “took a pass” has stirred up attention around the nation for taking the matter to Twitter.

Senior Christopher Patrick believes that whether or not he was offered the award, it was funny.

“He’s the only thing ever discussed about in today’s media and politics,” Patrick said. “So I thought it was pretty funny that he totally turned down the supposed offer.”

PHOTOS of the WEEK

LEFT | Sam McK-

night performs a dance from the movie Napoleon Dynamite, completed with an authentic costume. McKnight and other East boys competed in the Mr. CANsas pageant put on by SHARE. | ALLY GRIFFITH

ABOVE | Senior Hazel Hitchcock hands a microphone to Grant Raedle during the Mr. CANsas competition put on by SHARE. Raedle did a front round-off into the splits for the talent portion of the pageant. | K AT E NI XON

ABOVE | Seniors Ellie Willis, Audrey Kessler, and

Amara Ivancic enjoy pizza and sweets during the Coalition FriendsGiving. Students brought food to Mr. Mu’s room to celebrate. | T Y B R OW n I N G

DESIGN ELIZABETH BALLEW PHOTOS CARS ON HOLTGRAVES

DECE MBER 4, 2017

NEWS

BEHIND | Lancer Mascot does the can-can with senior Riley McCullough and sophomore Reilly Moreland at Can Pep

5

ONe can Make a difference

Assembly Nov. 9.

East donated 13,500 cans to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau during their annual November can drive

HEAD-TO-HEAD

WINNERS

Victorious sides in the can drive extracurricular competition

BY PAULI NE SHAVER Copy Editor

T

his year’s SME Can Drive, which ended Wednesday, raised 2,000 more cans than last year. A total of 13,500 “cans,” consisting of both cash donations and non-perishable food items, were donated to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau, an organization that aids low-income families during the holiday season.

Events such as the fourth hour macaroni and cheese contest and competitions between cheer and dance team, Harbinger and Hauberk, soccer and football and SHARE and Coalition were very effective for the JCCB fundraiser, according to East StuCo Sponsor Brenda Fishman.

Excluding the SHARE Mr. CANsas Pageant, an event showcasing male students from various activities with a two-can entry fee, the fundraising events were very similar to what they have been in the past.

Despite this, East’s contribution during the previous few years was notably smaller than it was during this November’s drive.

Compared to this year’s 9,500 nonperishable food items donated, last year saw only 7,800.

“The [previous] few years, I thought there was either a lack of support or a

lack of knowledge,” Fishman said. “For some reason East students didn’t seem to provide. This year, it looked like a lot of the different groups helped bring in.”

According to Fishman and senior Student Body Secretary Julia Stopperan, three main factors contributed to this year’s success: the enthusiasm and involvement of StuCo members and teachers, the promotion of different competitions using StuCo’s social media and handmade posters and the overall

“The [previous] few years, I thought there was either a lack of support or a lack of knowledge. For some reason East students didn’t seem to provide.

This year, it looked like a lot of the different groups helped bring in.”

B RE N DA FI S H M A N T E ACH E R

awareness of the drive from a greater amount of students and parents.

Individual classes, too, were a major factor in the success of this year’s can drive, Stopperan said.

“Mrs. Goodeyon and Mrs. Horn’s [third hour] classes, they collected 3,500 can between those two classes,” Stopperan said. “I think normally, they bring in 1,000,

but they really went above and beyond this year. Those kids were just really invested in it.”

The IB standard level math classes always compete each year to bring in cans, as well. This year, students brought in an average of 179 cans per person.

“It started out once a week, and then we went [to the store to buy cans] three times in one week,” third hour SL1 student and junior Audrey Helmuth said. “Sometimes Price Chopper would get really annoyed with us because we would make like 20 transactions.”

SMSD has partnered with the JCCB for over 25 years, and the items the high school fundraisers collect make up a significant amount of the Bureau’s food resources. “[SMSD has] the largest single food drive that has donated to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau,” JCCB Executive Director Lawrence Bigus said.

“Without the SMSD food drive, we would not be able to give out two to three days worth of groceries to each client and family.”

Held in the former Sears store on 97th and Metcalf, the JCCB Holiday shop has been open since last Friday and will operate until next Saturday. Hoping to encourage as many students to participate as possible, StuCo will be hosting a volunteer night at the shop tomorrow.

HAUBERK VS HARBINGER

FOOTBALL

VS

SOCCER

DANCE

VS

CHEER

SHARE VS COALITION

DESIGN SARAH BLEDS OE PHOTOS AVA SIMONSEN

THE HARBINGER

6 NEWS

REVAMPING the RETAIL

BY E MILY FEY Assistant Editor

W

The East Student Store implements several changes to increase revenue and amass a larger customer base

a look inside the Register The new-and-improved student store has turned a large profit this semester

Total:

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$1,009

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$

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Made at the student store this year.

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$10,000

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Monday meetings, coming up with designs they hope will sell out faster than the “Beat Rock” shirts.

The next step they are taking to reach their goal is to make sure all price ranges are represented in their store. The seniors scheduled a meeting with Columbia Sportswear’s Midwest distributor where they worked out a deal in which the vice president of sales agreed to embroider jackets, polos, shirts and other products with lancer logos and designs for “little to no cost,” according to Brouillette. They’ve already brought the price variation to the store with the introduction of the Lancer name-brand Woolly Thread sweatshirts, which cost $50.

“We like having some cheaper items that are mass quantity [in the store], but our idea this year is we really want to offer up all prices of products,” Rasmussen said.

“We will have our $10 T-shirts, but we also want to be able to hit all the different target markets. So we are working with Columbia to bring in some really nice quarter zips and jackets.”

This year’s store staff have not only brought a new website and products to the East community, they have also created a refreshing attitude and commitment towards the store that Rasmussen hasn’t seen before. Brouillette thinks the group clicks because they had all known each other before they had to spend every fifth hour in the marketing classroom brainstorming ideas or in the cafeteria shop trying to attract the hungry students to their shirts and sweatpants.

But Rasmussen knows their success stems from much more than their connection. She’s watched every senior contribute ideas during product brainstorms, even if they are not part of the design team. No design or suggestion is shot down immediately. They treat the store as a real business, not just an elective.

“This group works really well together, they are really creative and innovative and they are the type of students who kind of feel of the pulse of East and know what the kids really want,” Rasmussen said. “This is the best group of seniors I’ve had.”

100

hen the East Student Store released their new Classic Lancer Hoodie and Crewneck on Nov 12, the items were hung up on racks in the store, but also posted on their updated website. In their most recent attempt to revamp the SME Student Store, the student-run store launched their new website, eaststudentstore.com, in early November. The website received a complete transformation from the website created by last year’s seniors including a new domain name, easier site navigation and products updated every week.

The site facelift comes just in time for holiday orders and was designed entirely

by Student Store staff member senior Bradley Chapin. Chapin, who has had experience redesigning websites for Kansas City Auctioneers, found the old site “tired” and felt it wasn’t attracting the attention it needed.

“In the past years, we have had a [website] and people have had a hard time finding it, and I don’t think we had as many social media avenues that were available to let people know about this,” marketing teacher Mercedes Rasmussen said. “I think it is more attractive to look at and they have done a really good job of posting new items that are for sale.”

Even with the new website, the Student Store still attracts most of its clients through the store located in the cafeteria.

Rasmussen attributes this to the fact that the district does not allow online credit card transactions. Instead, parents and students have to call or email their orders from the website into Rasmussen or Chapin. They then have the option to pay and pick up the item either the office, Student Store or Rasmussen’s classroom. “[To get the site out to our audience] we made fliers to send home to middle school parents and East parents that have links, so they can order from the new website and buy holiday presents for their kids,” senior and store manager Martha Sniezek said.

In addition to the site redesign, the Student Store staff has also made

improvements to the store’s range of products, adding custom print stickers and woolly thread sweatshirts to their store normally filled with T-shirts, increasing their social media presence and overall profit made. This year’s seniors pride themselves in being the “first group to not be in debt the entire year,” according to Sniezek.

“We made more money in a week than any other [group of seniors] had made in an entire year,” senior Joseph Brouillette said of the sales after the “Beat Rock” shirts were released.

Senior John Roney believes they are making more of a profit this year because every design and product has the entire school in mind.

“We want the thoughts of East students in our products,” Roney said. “We talk to people about how are drawings look and if they would wear it. We also base our products off of what is popular at the time and try to create something out of that.”

Now, every product they produce is widely publicized all over the store’s Instagram, their main form of student outreach. They use their social media to alert students of item restocks, new arrivals and fresh designs. @sme.studentstore plasters pictures of their products modeled on students and share special deals they are offering at the time.

Through the popular designs and increased use of social media, the “cougar hunt” shirts made before the SME vs.

SMNW football game sold out throughout the week during lunch, and over 600 “beat rock” shirts were sold in the days leading up to the hyped SME vs. Rockhurst football game, leaving the store with “thousands of dollars in profit” according to Rasmussen.

The popularity of these game day shirts have determined their goal for the rest of the year.

“Our store goal is to have two or more products that sell like the “Beat Rock” shirts, that people will be frantic about and coming up to us and asking ‘did you guys get more of those yet?’” Roney said.

The student store staffers are already brainstorming the East vs. Rockhurst basketball game shirts at their weekly

The student store has made a total of $10,000 this semester.

However the student store has made a total profit of $1,009.

DECE MBER 4, 2017

DESIGN AVA J OHNS ON PHOTO ILLUSTRATION K ATHERINE MCGINNESS

NEWS

7

STUDENTS GIVING BACK

Student Activities Advisory Council will be donating gifts to Hope House for the holidays

BY GRACE CHISHOLM Print Editor-in-Chief

T

ABOVE | Students will venutre out to Target and nearby toy stores to collect a variety of gifts for the donations.

he Student Activities Advisory Council will take a field trip to donate gifts to Hope House’s annual holiday shop Dec. 7.

Team representatives from every East sport have been collecting gifts from their teammates such as Barbies, Hot Wheels, perfume and makeup since their first SAAC meeting Nov. 16. They’ll bring these donations to a holiday shop benefiting Hope House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and abuse, which will be located in a church near Hope House’s shelter.

Due to privacy, SAAC is unable to visit the shelter itself.

Hope House, which serves 122 victims in-residence and 4,000 others through outreach programs during the year, will welcome its patrons to choose holiday gifts from those donated by SAAC and other donors. Parents can shop for their

children and children can shop for parents, free of charge, in the holiday store which opens this Saturday and operates until Dec. 22.

“It’s a way for them to piece their lives back together again and to start new traditions in an environment that’s free from violence,” Denise Griffin, director of media relations for Hope House, said. “For some people that can be the first time in a long time.”

This will be SAAC’s second trip to donate to Hope House. Though no total number of gifts were recorded from last year, East Athletic Director Debbie Katzfey said East brought over $300 in gift cards.

“I’m really hoping that everyone that’s involved in SAAC really spreads it to their teams and says ‘Hey, there’s a drop zone in Katzfey’s office, let’s fill it up, and let’s fill the buses,” Katzfey said.

Hope House’s most needed items are gifts for teens, Griffin said. They receive plenty of toys for children

REMODELING TRACKS AND FIELDS

and gifts for women, including a recent donation of 100 gently-used purses. But they lack donations of teen gifts such as iPods, wallets and team jerseys.

Senior Hannah McPhail, SAAC representative for girls’ swim, said seeing the pile of gifts donated by student athletes last year was “so cool.” She wishes she could meet the people receiving the gifts instead of dropping them off; McPhail said her eyes were opened to the bravery of people escaping abuse after hearing a Hope House employee recount residents’ stories during the last SAAC trip. Due to issues of privacy for Hope House residents, SAAC volunteers are unable to participate in running the shop itself.

“I understand why we can’t, but it would be fun to see their reactions of getting the presents,” McPhail said.

“But I still know that they’re going to really appreciate it.”

A BREAKDOWN OF THE CONSTRUCTION

East, South and Northwest have verified plans to remove and replace thier turf fields

BY GRACE CHISHOLM Print Editor-in-Chief

T

he SMSD Board of Education approved a contract Nov. 27 with ACI Boland, Inc. to remove and replace turf fields and tracks at East, South and Northwest.

“The condition of the current turf is pretty rough in some spots ever since that huge storm we had, so I think it is great that we are getting new turf,” senior boys varsity lacrosse player Cameron Ream said. “There were lots of rolls and collections of turfs pellets that could easily trip a player.”

The turf fields inside the tracks at the three high schools will be redone as well as the tracks at South and Northwest. Bob Robinson, SMSD Executive Director of Facilities, reported at the Nov. 27 board meeting that the current turf fields are 1012 years old, and the “life cycle” of a turf field is typically eight to 12 years.

Athletic director Debbie Katzfey said

East’s turf is in “bad shape.” The school has had to repair a rip in the center of the turf at least three times since she started working at East last year. However, SMSD Director of Athletics and Student Services Richard Kramer said that the replacement of the fields is routine maintenance.

“We haven’t taken any large complaints that the fields are unsafe or it’s not in playing condition,” Kramer said.

“We’ve had to do some resewing on the fields but nothing of any major issue that would keep us from using the fields.”

The projects at the high schools will cost an estimated $1,559,589 – paid for by a bond with a provision for middle and high school facility reinvestment.

Construction is scheduled to begin Dec. 15 at South and East and be completed sometime in the spring, while Northwest will see no change until June 1 with completion occurring the following fall.

While construction is underway, East teams will relocate to the upper turf fields

used by baseball, open grassy areas or Indian Hills Middle School for practices, Katzfey said.

The board also approved the construction of two or three new turf fields at the SMSD Soccer Complex, though no purchase agreement was approved at the Nov. 27 meeting like those regarding the three high school renovations. Robinson indicated he hoped to present about the soccer complex project at the next board meeting.

According to Kramer, precedent set by nearby districts, including the allturf College Boulevard Activities Center and Olathe District Athletic Complex, initiated the change to using turf fields.

“I think the warrant is to get us up to a facility caliber that is comparable to other districts around us so that our facilities can be kept in a competitive frame with our neighbors BV and Olathe,” Kramer said.

12/05/17

CONSTRUCTION ON THE EAST AND SOUTH FIELDS WILL BEGIN ON DEC. 15

ACI BOLAND, INC. WILL BE INCHARGE OF REMOVING AND REPLACING THE TRACKS AND FIELDS

THE CONSTRUCTION WILL COST AROUND $1,559,589 TO DO

2018

CONSTRUCTION AT EAST AND SOUTH WILL BE COMPLETE IN SPRING OF 2018

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DESIGN E MILY FEY PHOTOS IZZ Y ZANONE

DECE MBER 4, 2017

OPINION

9

THROUGH Being diagnosed with depression doesn’t mean sadness is always stronger than joy

BY LUCY KENDALL Staff Writer

A

s I’m walking down the fourth floor hall during passing period, I meet my friend as she storms out of her CAT classroom. “Lucy can you believe this? I got a 75 percent on my last test. I don’t know what to do I’m so depressed.”

Well, no.

Today, depression is synonymous with words like disappointed and sad. The way in which they’re used interchangeably detracts from depression’s real meaning. I always knew what the word meant, but never how it felt, until I was diagnosed with it myself three weeks ago. I now know there is no way my friend was “depressed” after seeing all the red markings left on her test.

Every day after school I would come home promptly at 3 p.m., grab a granola bar and fall asleep on the couch for two hours. Even after seemingly “the best nap ever,” I would still be tired. I couldn’t even get up to finish a Conjuguemos assignment. I was more than unmotivated, I was powerless.

And I had no idea why.

Then it escalated. There is a corner right by my house.

As I came up to the four-way stop, the light pole caught my eye. I thought how easy it would be to skip the right turn to head toward my drive way and just gun my car 60 mph into the pole. All my insecurities gone. All the stress of upholding great grades gone. Everything gone. But being able to see the lights inside my house luckily made me remember all the people who loved me, my presence, my life. It would end up hurting the people I love in the long run more than it would help my strife.

I turned right.

Depression is tightly wound within the DNA of my family. My grandma takes her daily dose of antidepressants, while my mom’s sister lost her life to suicide at age 21. I even have witnessed the oppression of the psychological disease at home with my mom and oldest brother.

On paper it made sense that I could be diagnosed with depression; it’s commonly known as a genetic disease and

can also be caused by several medical problems such as thyroid or hormone deficiencies, both of which I have been recently tested for and am waiting for the results.

But inside I couldn’t wrap my mind around the reality of being diagnosed. I never considered myself an unhappy person; frankly, a lot of my friends would say I’m one of the happiest people they know. I tend to keep my head up high and a smile on my face, stepping in whenever I can to lighten the mood with one of my famous ice-breaking sarcastic comments.

So, to me, depression was never an option to be the root cause of my despondent emotions.

However, with a mother who had grown up in a household of depression, she knew all the tell tale signs. She told me she was concerned with how little I was motivated to do homework. She helped me understand that when I couldn’t physically make myself go into the mall, it wasn’t just that I was having an episode, but an anxiety attack.

She told me she knew the moment I was standing in the shower, unable to get out, that I had depression. The steaming water hit my back while I looked at her, separated by a glass door, as I cried for help. She even told me that I should go see a therapist because she didn’t believe it when I told her my lack of energy came from the troubles of junior year. Staying up till 2 a.m. finishing my IB English essay and studying for three tests the next day wasn’t enough to stray my mom from the thought of my having depression.

But all it took was that one conversation with a therapist for it all to make sense – for it all to finally click. Within a matter of seconds, discussing these bottled up emotions became clear as day. I took the school week off. Taking blood test after blood test, driving from one doctor appointment to the next, trying to figure out the cause and the best medication and treatment for my situation.

Being diagnosed made me feel horrible. It became disheartening sitting in the doctor’s office answering questions about how often my mood changes within a day or how many thoughts of suicide I’ve had when just that morning I was the reason my friends couldn’t concentrate in class because they were laughing too hard at a Snapchat of me dancing like crazy.

After my diagnosis, all the appointments, all the days

sitting in my pitch black bedroom scrolling through my Instagram feed made me feel like I was wired to think that having depression meant the end of my social life. The end of feeling happiness. The end of feeling like my beyond joyful self.

But after torturing my brain wondering why this would happen to me day and night, I decided I had a choice to make. Depression didn’t mean losing my personality, it meant gaining the opportunity to show how strong I was. To prove that I am truly the girl who makes my friends laugh like no other when I make myself look like a complete idiot.

People may hear the word ‘depression’ and think that someone is constantly upset, or is living in a state of ongoing brutal sadness. When people think of someone with depression, they think of the stereotypical goth kid dressed in all black with their hood up in the back of the classroom.

I’ve heard many people talk about depression, as well as have talked about it myself, but after realizing I am a part of the 20 percent of teenagers that suffer from depression, I think we have it wrong.

I have depression, but that doesn’t mean I’m constantly in a state of anger and hatred in my mind. Some days are certainly better than others, but if I just keep a positive outlook on myself, I will spread a positive atmosphere for those around me. Just because I have depression doesn’t mean I am cooped up in my room all day. Just because I have depression doesn’t mean I can’t laugh until I cry with my best friends. Just because my friends are going through a hard time doesn’t mean I can’t help them, because I certainly can.

Sure, depression will be a part of my life for a while, but the thoughts of sadness are not worthy of dragging me down through the day. Instead, I’m choosing to focus on the fact that I now know I’m strong enough to keep both feet firmly planted on the ground when a mental illness tries to knock me down. I am stronger because I came back from this.

Depression might be the newest emotion I’ve been feeling lately, but I know one thing for sure – there’s no way in hell that this mental illness is going to override my happy, ridiculous self.

DESIGN K ATIE HISE PHOTOS ELLIE THOM A

10 O P I N I O N

THE HARBINGER

M RO F S ING T E GRE

Two friends on opposite sides of the political spectrum believe their “bromance” is the key to the survival of America

BY R OBBIE VEGHL AN & RESER HALL Print & Online Editors-in-Chief

“O

h Bob, it took you long enough.”

After Robbie arrived late (typical) we’re sitting sprawled on top of each other on the blue couch, no one batting an eye. After all, our J-room “bromance” is already commemorated by memes and quotes all over the whiteboard cabinets in room 521. We’ve been like this since we were running around trying to pull the flag off each other’s belt on the Prairie Elementary first grade flag football team. And we will be like this when we share a lengthy embrace at our 25th high school reunion, just like old times.

Our friendship will stand the test of time, even in a time when communities, relationships and families are divided and fractured by political divisiveness. Our improbable friendship is what America needs to stop the political division and come together.

Alright, for that to make any sense you’ll need some context. We’ll each give you a quick run-down of who the other person is, in our own words.

If someone were to ask me, Robbie Veglahn, who Reser Hall is, I’d say that he’s a 78-year-old man trapped in an 18-year-old’s body. If he’s not complaining about how he tweaked his back, he’s talking about draining swamps and ridin’ the Trump train. As copresident of the Young Republicans Club, he’s as outspoken as they come about conservative values. He has been engulfed by dissenting liberals, including me, countless times when his opinion articles about Confederate monuments or Jane Elliot are published in the Harbinger.

According to me, Reser Hall, my partnerin-crime Robbie Veglahn is a golden retriever who thinks he’s a lap dog, just as I wrote on the j-room quote board. If he is actually focused on one the multiple tasks he signs himself up for or is getting ahead on homework, you know something is wrong.

As the fearless leader and co-president of the Young Democrats Club, he is constantly at odds with his majority-conservative friends.

He knows it’s not worth the grief to get into it with them but can’t help himself when one of them starts talking about Fox News.

On paper, we’re polar opposites. And in this country, when 64 percent of Democrats and 55 percent of Republicans said they have either “just a few” or “no” close friends of the other party according to a Pew Research study, our friendship is highly improbable.

But do you really think we are gonna let some research study tell us what to do?

We may not agree on immigration, or health care reform, or environmental reform, or gun legislation, or foreign policy, or tax reform, or – sorry, we promised we wouldn’t do that here. Point is, we don’t agree on much; but we do agree on this. We as citizens need to talk, not attack one another.

Sure, we have a spat over gun control now and again. Of course one of us (guess who) will send a text or two mocking a particularly eccentric tweet from President Trump, and he’ll immediately get a response with a link to a video of political speaker Ben Shapiro roasting liberal college students. But the key to our bromance and the key to the future of this nation is a simple one – we listen.

We don’t go into arguments about abortion or tax reform with full heads of steam, ready to tear into one another. We have

a mutual respect for each other, so even if we don’t agree, we don’t resort to screaming or personal attacks. And because we genuinely listen to each other, not just wait for it to be our turn to talk, we’ve actually changed our mind about things.

After breaking down sensible gun laws on a drive to Potbelly Sandwiches, Reser changed his mind about gun control. After the conclusion of a lengthy and somewhat insane discussion about whether torture is justified with some of our more right-wing friends (we actually both agree that it’s not), Reser’s clear-headed analysis helped Robbie change his mind about defense spending.

But in today’s dog-eat-internet-troll world, it seems like every political interaction goes more or less like this: A conservative or liberal will dismiss something from the other side with a common campaign catchphrase.

The other person fires back with a volley of emotion-filled shouts. The original instigator, rather than really listening to this comeback, already knew what he/she was going to retort with before the comeback even came. They pick out three buzzwords from Fox News or MSNBC and fire right back. Wash, rinse, repeat; until both participants are sure they’re right and more importantly, sure that the other is wrong.

Let us assure you, there is none of that in a debate between us, because we know from experience how little that accomplishes.

When we were eighth-graders bussing back to Indian Hills from East and arguing about the 2008 election, about as uninformed as two people can be, we learned about the futility that hostility brings. We spent much of our young life parroting CNN and Fox News back and forth, Reser screaming about death

panels that never existed and Robbie citing stats that turned out to be untrue.

But as we grew up together and became more informed, we learned that debating amicably not only helps preserve our relationship, but helps debates serve their real purpose – to change opinions, not become more entrenched in them.

Most American people may not know how to have a civil political debate, but politicians are even worse. Their failure to work together and apparent disdain for anyone across the aisle trickles down into the attitude and culture of the rest of the country. Man, do they have something to learn from our bromance.

If only Paul Ryan could go out to Potbelly Sandwiches with Nancy Pelosi, like we do, to debate the best way to tackle health care reform rather than screaming across the senate floor. If only Donald Trump could play FIFA with Elizabeth Warren and try to compromise without impulsively calling her Pocahontas and laughing at his own joke. If only Chuck Schumer could sit down to talk with Mitch McConnell (maybe not sitting on his lap like we do) while they discuss immigration civilly instead of having passive aggressive back-and-forth soundbite wars.

We think if there were some more bromances across the aisle, we would see the return of compromise in D.C. The country is at a dangerous point in its history, and in the adapted words of Christopher Walken, it needs more bromance. It needs more of us; not because of our knowledge, charm or strikingly good looks, but because people need to talk and listen about real issues and do it peacefully.

Everyone could use a j-room bromance in their life.

DECE MBER 4, 2017

DESIGN GRACE PADON PHOTOS HARBINGER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

an open letter to:

OPINION

11

Senior cheerleader recounts her final journey cheering on the Lancers during the football season

BY ANNA MCCLELL AND Staff Writer

D

ear Boys of Fall, I woke up on the Saturday morning following Thanksgiving and felt a pang of emptiness: it was supposed to be the day we defeated our enemies and claimed a state title.

But instead of the Lancers bussing out to Emporia State’s legendary Welch Stadium, it would be the Blue Valley North Mustangs and the Derby Panthers.

I wish it had been us.

A facebook memory popped up on my phone from 2014, when the bright November sun glared down on that very stadium, as our entire school stormed the field after your victory against Hutchinson. With each year that followed, you fought, you battled, you strived to make it back to that very field. Every Friday night, you played in hope of making it to that one Saturday afternoon.

Even though we didn’t make it, I want you all to know that the blood you shed and the bones you broke weren’t for nothing.

You’ve impacted me, and many others, with your passion and tenacity. It has been an honor to stand on the sidelines and cheer you on these four years.

When I cheered at your freshman games, when not a single student sat in the stands, you still played as if it were the Super Bowl, because you were just grateful to be Lancers. As a sophomore, I witnessed you use each JV game as an opportunity to become stronger, so that Delaney might let you have some varsity playing time.

As a junior, I realized that varsity isn’t all fanfare and Friday night lights. It’s also long bus rides on Thursday nights and coming home to a mountain of homework. As a senior, I watched the boys of fall become men, who suited up for each game like war, with a gleam in their eyes that meant it was their last chance.

Before taking the field at our first game of the season vs. Olathe South, I heard you all solemnly sing “We Ready” while I held my flyer above my head in an extension.

I kept one eye on my stunt and the other on the sea of white helmets swaying side to side in sync with the song.

Suddenly, the helmets began moving faster, your voices

became louder and you stormed onto the field with a roar.

The game went by, and after the final whistle was blown, 21 other cheerleaders and I would sprint to meet you in the middle of the turf. We jumped up and down together, 28 times for 28 points. We shouted each number as loud as we could – I had almost forgotten how exhausting our postgame tradition could be.

I heard you, Harrison, exclaim that there should be an ‘E’ painted on the 50-yard-line at the SM North stadium before you obliterated the Indians. I lazily waved my poms, just waiting for them to

of my arms into a car full of seven other cheerleaders. As we turned onto Johnson Drive, “The Boys of Fall” by Kenny Chesney started playing on the aux. So we turned the volume all the way up and let our tears flow while we sang “it’s I got your number, I got your back, when your back’s against the wall. You mess with one man, you got us all, the boys of fall.”

I spent hours the next day scrolling through Snapchat memories, watching Brian Libeer’s Twitter videos, and stalking old Facebook albums. I just wanted one more chance. Maybe if I had yelled “We, we want a touchdown, lancers!” just a little bit louder. Maybe if I had called “Defense, lancers, defense!” just one more time. Maybe if I hadn’t spent the whole fourth quarter with a knot in my stomach and my pom poms glued behind my back. Maybe then it wouldn’t be the end.

But as a cheerleader should, I picked myself up. I have decided not to dwell on what I could’ve done differently, and you shouldn’t either.

Seniors: I hope that you look back on this season with clear eyes and full hearts, remembering the sweetness of victory more than the bitterness of defeat.

Juniors: I want you to look forward to next year, and prepare yourselves to be strong, steadfast leaders.

Sophomores, freshman and future Lancers: be relentless, unyielding, and sure in your pursuit of greatness, because the glory of Shawnee Mission East football is far from over.

With nothing but love for the Lancers, Anna

run the clock. After that game ended, we counted out 59 points.

I heard you, Anderson, command your team to execute and annihilate Blue Valley North, because we can’t be beat.

We won’t be beat. But the Mustangs proved us wrong. They delivered us our toughest loss. We scored 10 points that night, but counted out none of them.

Instead, I stumbled across the track and into the SM North parking lot, hauling pom poms, signs and flags. Tears blurred my vision while I struggled to shove the contents

P.S. To #24, thank you for your undying spirit and grit, and tell your little brother thank you for always keeping us cheerleaders on our toes. To #37, sorry for being the worst rally girl ever, I’ll make it up to you during basketball season with endless cool blue Gatorade and Milano cookies. To #1, you will never cease to amaze me when you’re on the field, and I can’t wait to see where your future takes you. And to #6, #8, #26, #27, #33, #35, #44, #51, #52, #53, #55, #58, #64, #67, and #91, thank you all for making these four years greater than my wildest dreams.

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4195 Somerset Dr. Prairie Village, KS, 66208 (913) 648-2326

DECE MBER 4, 2017

DESIGN K ALEIGH KOC PHOTOS ELLEN SWANS ON

O P I N I O N 13

<html>

<h1> THE

RIGHT TYPE </h1>

to code benefits <h2> <h2> Learning future plans

In addition to literally powering the world, learning to code can also help with logic and problem-solving decisions. It gives you a chance to develop the right side of your brain if you are usually an artsy, creative type. And function myFunc(a, b) { frankly, it builds character. I sat frustrated at my desk return a * b; chair for hours, staring at my screen when I tried writing } my first line of code. document.getElementById(‘demo’).innerHTML = If you, like many other high school students, have no myFunc(4, 3); idea what major or what career to choose, learning how to code will aid in almost every profession. Even learning Did you get all of that? Meet JavaScript, the most-used some part of JavaScript will make you more marketable for coding language in the world. If it looks like I just smashed colleges and later for interviews. my keyboard and typed that out Astrid Countee, a web developer, by accident, join the club, I don’t said in an interview with Forbes. understand it either. com she was able to field many And that’s an issue, considering job opportunities due to a past in If you, like many other high school 84% of U.S. households own a coding, to Forbes.com. So learn to students, have no idea what major computer, according to Pew program now instead of in college Research as of 2014. Coding should or what career to choose, learning – it will open some non-virtual be a skill learned by everyone in how to code will aid in almost every doors. our generation, as it’ll soon become Evan Leong, co-founder of profession. a required skill in our technologyFount, a shopping app, told Forbes driven future. magazine, “learning to code will M AC NEWM AN In a world that is becoming SEN I O R vastly increase your potential in more and more reliant upon becoming a valuable asset at any computers and technology – that organization.” iPhone in your pocket can access almost every piece of Learning coding is no different than learning how to human knowledge ever created – web development is build an IKEA desk or filling up oil in your car, you just ranked as the number one best job for millennial, according need to consult the owner’s manual. It starts off simple and to USNews. This is due to its median salary, low stress level with easy tasks, but in time you will be able to replace your and ability to work from home. Coding is becoming just car’s headlight and build a DIY shed. It takes practice and as important as reading, writing, math and science. In the persistence, but is worth it in the long run to build a skill future, not knowing the language of computers will be just that will affect the rest of your life. like being illiterate today.

Obviously coding won’t magically make anyone the East’s Computer Science class is a smart place to start. new Bill Gates or Steve Wozniak, but by starting now Taught by Jamie Kelly, he covers the basics of binary you’ll start getting first-hand experience you need to build and programming languages such as python and Java. a new career or an additional skill for whatever career you But if you are truly committed to learning computer choose. programming to prepare for college, websites such as Forget Spanish class or Rosetta Stone and learn the new Code.org, Codecademy and the East recommended common tongue. Don’t wait until you realized you have coding4youth offer alternative programs available at been left hanging in a dead-end career. Make a difference several price points and time requirements. in this world and learn what the hell that first paragraph Why should you code? It’s plain and simple really, does. technology is everywhere. It’s on people’s wrists, on their glasses and soon going to be actual people (robots!)

BY M AC NEWM A N Copy Editor

COdinG IN NUMBERS

jobs requiring coding skills pay

$22,000

more than positions that don’t

</>

demand for employees with coding skills is expected to grow

12%

faster than the overall job market in the next decade

</> Coding skills are valued in 5 MAIN JOB CATEGORIES:

IT engineering science data analysts art & design

1/2 of jobs in top income quartile are in occupations that often require coding skills from job applicants

INFORMATION COURTESY OF BURNING GLASS TECHNOLOGIES

DESIGN ANNA MCCLELL AND PHOTOS DIANA PERCY

THE HARBINGER

14 F E AT U R E S

ABOVE | Don Brooks keeps model police cars and

toy policemen set up in a corner of the Brooks' house, along with many other mementos from his 42 years as a policeman.

LEFT | Don and Dakota Brooks laugh while

discussing the specifics of Dakota's training program.

"She has the gift of gab," Don said.

TO PROTECT & TO SERVE The good stories heard from family in the police department have inspired junior Dakota Brooks to join the police force

BY ALE X FR EE M A N Copy Editor

S

ophomore Dakota Brooks knows the worst stories.

She listens closely as her dad, Don Brooks, recalls the time a bullet whizzed past his ear before he shot his attacker twice to protect himself and his fellow officers. She hears about how a woman ripped a chunk out of her dad’s right hand during a routine traffic call. She remembers hearing that offduty Wyandotte County deputy sheriff Scott Wood had been shot seven times at the 7/11 off of Interstate 635 and Shawnee, and then she remembers spending the night in the hospital’s waiting room with her dad, waiting for news.

But Dakota also knows the good stories.

She knows that her dad took in a sixteenyear-old runaway until her mom got a steady job. She knows that he helped a woman in labor off her toilet onto the floor and delivered her baby before the paramedics arrived at her house. She knows that he has filled the saddlebags of his motorcycle with candy and handed it out to kids on Halloween.

“When you solve little bitty problems for folks, it doesn’t get any better than that,” Don said.

Dakota’s always been familiar with gold

police badges: her father, her maternal grandfather Jim Vaughn and her older brother Justin White are all either current or former police officers. Conversation about her dad’s new gun or her brother’s high-speed chase down Route 169 always meant Dakota would be plopped down on the floor, listening with her eyes wide, and wondering what it would be like to go through something like that herself.

From these stories, she’s learned that saving a life will always outweigh the fear of losing your own – and now she plans to create her own stories of adrenaline and public service and join the police force. So she’s starting her training now.

“When you’re little, you always think life is this fairy tale, and everything’s perfect, and everything’s going to go right,” Dakota said.

“Then things start to go wrong and you start to see that life isn’t that fairy tale anymore . . . [but I saw] it like ‘My dad [can] prevent that from happening.' When I get older, I can prevent that from happening to another little girl, so she can still hold onto that [fairy tale] for another year.”

While Dakota can’t join the Police Academy until she graduates, she is already learning as much about the field as she can.

She’s taking Forensic Science and First AidCPR, a course that teaches students about emergency medical services. While these

classes don’t directly correlate with police training, many of the skills that paramedics learn translate into the law enforcement career, according to First Aid-CPR teacher and paramedic Brieanne Miller.

Miller thinks Dakota has an edge over most other students in the class because of her desire to pursue a career in the police force, as well as her experience watching Don work.

“When you’re an expert at something, it rubs off on everyone in the family,” Miller explained. “If your dad’s a mechanic and you’re a seventeen-year-old, you’re going to know more about cars than the average seventeen-year-old.”

Dakota had the opportunity during her freshmen year to participate in scenariobased training through the Johnson County’s “Explorers” program where she worked with police officers from different precincts throughout the county. The program trained her in about 10 different areas throughout the seven-month course. On one end of the spectrum was Shawnee’s canine unit, where she learned how to work with a police dog, whether it be sniffing for drugs or tracking missing children. On the other side of the spectrum, Overland Park’s hostage negotiation unit, where she had to repeat a hostage simulation in which scenarios appeared on a screen, and she had to detail a

plan of response, four times before she finally got it right.

During the hostage simulation, she recalled her dad's lesson from the month before about the "five minutes of darkness.”

He instructed his daughter on how you can almost always talk an active shooter out of their violent state and resolve the conflict without a shoot-out.

Through what she’s gathered from dinner conversation and adrenaline-filled tales of the family business, Don is confident that no matter what branch of law enforcement Dakota decides to go into, whether it be hostage negotiation, the canine unit, or something that she’s never tried before, she will be “a good cop.” Although he will always worry about her because of the “inherent risk” of being in law enforcement, he trusts that she will be able to rely on her training and fellow officers to bring peace to civilians all while protecting herself. And he knows that once she’s gone through training, everything she’s learned from watching him will click.

“A cop is a counselor, he’s a psychiatrist, he’s a doctor, he’s a priest,” Don said. “There’s a lot of jobs that cops do . . . I know that [Dakota]’s watched me. She’s watched her brother. As she grows, she’ll develop those techniques.”

DESIGN LIL A TULP PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANNA DIERKS

THE HARBINGER

15 F E AT U R E S

LENDING A HAND While taking a gap year and volunteering abroad at orphanages, East graduate finds her independence gap year] has shown me that I can move away and thrive.”

For six weeks in Madrid, Anna was Her friends send her texts complaining teaching English to orphans. According about their 9 a.m. classes. At 9 a.m., alumna to Anna, the kids would be burnt out Anna Dierks ‘17 is surrounded by 53 four- after school, so she would mainly spend year-old students, teaching them how to time playing with them and integrating read an English word such as “cat” on the English words into conversations, or would board and then scribble a picture of a cat do activities such as flash cards. On the in their notebooks. On Friday nights, her weekends, though, Anna was free to go on Snapchat stories may blow up with party her own mini excursions, and she learned pictures from Mass Street. Anna is usually to love the independence of being able posting pictures of her students or the raw to choose wherever she wanted to go for however long she wanted. beauty surrounding her in Kigali, Rwanda.

“I took a weekend trip to Valencia once But in these moments of scrolling through social media in an entire different because I wanted to prove to myself that I country, Anna is able to realize how far could travel somewhere on my own, which her independence has grown. Unlike the is kind of ironic because I went to Madrid by typical semi-structured routine of a college myself,” Anna said.

According to Anna’s mom Jennifer kid, Anna is never comfortable in her environment right now — she is forced to Dierks, Anna’s always been independent, constantly explore and discover her own but being immersed in foreign countries where she doesn’t speak the language or ways of building her life wherever she goes.

Anna had her first year of college all know many specific details about the area has provided her planned out. She with a different knew she would challenge. be attending KU “There have been in the fall, she had her housing Volunteering has made me so happy, times [for Anna] assignment in the and that’s why I’m doing all of this. Your when it’s really hard, but I think GSP residence world multiplies by 20 when you meet she has found a lot hall, and she had her schedule these people and hear their stories of inner strength in realizing ‘I have to and see all of these new places. tailored to her take care of myself’ business major. and ‘I have to figure But she had always A N N A D I ER KS this out,’” Jennifer craved a new 2 01 7 E A ST G RA D UAT E said. “I think these experience that things have made was out of state, and this goal of her’s was not in her current her stronger, and very self-reliant. She now knows she can take big things on and make plans for the next year.

Realizing that she wasn’t genuinely it happen.”

Currently Anna is living in Kigali with her excited for college, Anna decided to take a gap year. Through taking this gap year, cousin, where she is working as a teacher’s she has taught herself to be independent assistant for three weeks, teaching English in the sense that she’s now confident in her and other subjects to younger students. ability to be alone and be happy. Anna’s first Her students’ summer break began on Nov. semester has been spent volunteering in 17 though, so she is now tutoring seniors Spain through the International Volunteer throughout Africa for the ACT with a Headquarters (IVHQ), and volunteering in program called “Bridge to Rwanda.”

“After working with little kids [in Kigali], Rwanda where she has been residing with her cousin who lives there. For the next I’ve been able to see how age is not a defining semester, Dierks will be travelling to Costa factor, which is inspiring,” Anna said. “I feel Rica, Peru and Ecuador where she will assist like in America, it’s seen as impossible to do in more volunteer projects through the such big things at young ages, but here we see people doing the things at young ages, IVHQ. “One of my biggest fears was to move and proving that that’s not entirely true. I’ve so far away from home and be alone and learned more about what’s possible, and so unhappy and regret not being in a more what’s possible for myself.” comfortable place,” Anna said. “But [this

BY M ADELINE H LOB IK Copy Editor

QUITO ECUADOR

SAN JOSE COSTA RICA

KIGALI RWANDA

CUSCO PERU

ANNA’S ADVENTURES A map of some of Anna’s destinations

N W

E S

ABOVE | Students in Kigali, Rwanda

are posing for Anna’s picture. She said that this picture perfecly shows their personalities because they always showed so much love and enthusiasm.

TOP LEFT | One of Anna’s students

in Peru pose while they are lining up in front of the school during the day.

Anna says goodbye and takes a selfie with a few of her students on their last day of school in Rwanda.

BOTTOM LEFT|

DESIGN ANNABELLE COOK PHOTOS DIANA PERCY & ELLIE THOM A

THE HARBINGER

DESIGN ANNABELLE COOK PHOTOS DIANA PERCY & ELLIE THOM A

DECE MBER 4, 2017

16 S P O R T S

SPORTS

“The only way to describe it is that [Tyler’s] glove was always on the other guy’s face,” Gloe said. “The other guy didn’t even have time to get his hands up because Tyler he sound of junior Tyler Jones’ alarm on the day of was hitting him so much.” a fight means one hard-boiled egg, half a glass of Tyler won the first two rounds with ease, but after his water, weigh in. third round the judges saw enough to give the win to his The scale reads 158. Perfect. opponent. When there is no knock-out to solidify the After a month of eating strictly grilled chicken and winner, one is chosen by collecting points for form and salads with hardly any dressing, running three to six hitting target spots. As much as Tyler loves the sport, he miles in two layers of sweats weekly and limiting himself finds it “historically corrupt” in many scenarios. to one gallon of water the week prior, Tyler weighs in two “Something I started noticing is that his mind is pounds less than he allotted for. His diligent eating and coming into the game. It’s athleticism with a small version exercise routines prior to the boxing match paid off and of chess,” his trainer Michael Hughes said. “Chess pieces, now he goes home and prepares for his 18th fight, only metaphorically speaking for hands, what combination is four hours away. he going to throw? What angle is he going to come at?

Tyler was first taught to box by his uncle when he was What punch is next? He’s developing his mind more than just three years old. He comes from a family of boxers – he is his physical body.” great-grandfather, grandfather, uncle – and he’s the next Tyler “got robbed” during that 18th match according one to fill the gloves. to Gloe and Becker, but the loss Will Becker, a studentdidn’t detract from his clear coach at Tyler’s gym, was confidence in the ring according impressed by Tyler’s skill in to Hughes. Tyler works on this the first MMA class Tyler confidence at Brass Boxing. There, I was watching him warm up and attended at Brass Boxing last it’s not uncommon for strangers I was like, ‘This kid knows what’s August. to feel inspired by his presence up’. And no sugar-coating it, he’s a and agility according to Hughes.

“I was watching him warm up and I was like, monster.

Not only are his trainers ‘This kid knows what’s complimentary of this trait, but W I L L B ECK E R up,’” Becker said. so is a mother of four young STU D E NT- COACH “[...] And no sugarboxers, Husseena Maya, whom coating it, he’s a Tyler doesn’t know personally. monster.”

The mother watches outside of the gated mats in Brass But, unless you asked, Tyler wouldn’t Boxing, adjusts her white headwrap and points. tell you that he’s traveled to Chicago, “He motivated my son to win,” Maya said. “It was [my Tennessee and all over Kansas and son’s] third time fighting and he hadn’t won yet, but he Missouri for tournaments and matches. He watched Tyler, and I think he saw he just couldn’t give the wouldn’t tell you that he won the Ringside judges a choice but to give [the win] to him.”

World Champion tournament in the Bronx, Tyler bobs his head behind his laced black gloves New York this summer. He wouldn’t tell you and dodges a right hook while sparring, or essentially that his standing record is 17-1 – the one loss scrimmaging, with Maya’s 13-year-old son. Tyler inches being his 18th fight this October, a “shocker” lightly on his toes toward his temporary opponent. He according to junior Harrison Gloe who attended quickly jabs at him before breaking and dropping to the the match after hearing about it in American floor for a set of push-ups.

History AP. “You’re grinding all year round and you don’t get any The 18th fight. He touched gloves with his breaks,” Tyler said. “You’re constantly going and that can opponent to initiate the bout, then Tyler had three be the toughest thing – it’s really easy to quit.” rounds – one minute each to prove himself the Tyler hasn’t always been the dedicated fighter he is. stronger and smarter fighter.

After his first 10 matches when he began competing at “I’m the best out here. I’m gonna kill him,” Tyler 15 years old, he quit to spend time with friends and play repeated to himself. lacrosse. But a year later, he found himself shadow-boxing In the first round he knocked his opponent down in the halls again, thinking about boxing. Now, Hughes within 45 seconds. His mouthguard forced his upper lip describes Tyler as a “perfectionist.” His diligence and to puff out and the dark gym full of other competitors passion for the sport and training makes him a silent and spectators studied his threatening gaze. After each leader amongst the other boxers, like Maya’s son in his hit, Tyler’s hands quickly retracted to protect his own weekly sessions. face. The second round came, and Tyler continued to “He’s comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Hughes “destroy the guy” according to Gloe. said. “Every single time you go into the ring, it’s a true Finally, the third round. Gloe compares Tyler’s test of self. Tyler is on the right path wherever he’s going fighting to world champ Floyd Mayweather: defensive. he’s not afraid to face what could potentially hurt him Dancing throughout the ring lightly on his toes, he and gain from it. [...] You would have to pick his brain to dodged swings and protected his face–Tyler especially know it.” doesn’t like getting hit in the face.

17

BY DAISY BOLIN Head Copy Editor

T

Junior Tyler Jones’ sense of self in the ring packs a punch

TOP | Junior Tyler Jones has boxed since he was

three years old and now competes at the national level

BOTTOM | Jones spars with his trainer, Michael Hughes at Brass Boxing

SCAN TO VIEW THE HARBINGER’S VIDEO OF TYLER JONES IN ACTION

DESIGN GABBY L EINBACH PHOTOS LUKE HOFFM AN

More than

THE HARBINGER

18 F E AT U R E S

words

BY G R AC I E KOST Section Editor

S

ophomore Lucy Brock had just walked through the pizza line at Blue Valley West. She flops her paper plate with two slices of pepperoni down next to ten of her closest friends. Instead of gossip, this lunchtime chatter is spent scheming.

The question at stake: What’s the best strategy to win this debate tournament?

Debate works as a student-run machine. The

teacher, Trey Witt, coaches four teams: varsity, JV, open and novice. He manages the team at the beginning of the year by scheduling their tournaments, providing research material and giving them the gist of how things should go: tournament expectations and tips for success. After he’s given them the outline, the rest is up to them.

“One of my favorite things about debate is the people that filter through it,” senior debater Nico Rodriquez-Hanley said.

“A lot of people are scared to put their opinions out there

BROCK’S SOPHOMORE LUCY DEBATE TIPS FOR A GOOD Do your research “The very first thing is research. You have to prepare a ton. There are a lot of topics to cover within the resolution.”

I don’t even think of it as classwork or homework. It’s such a cool thing that I get to do. I walk into this classroom and know I’m surrounded by past strangers who have become my best friends.

LU CY B R O C K SO P H O MO R E

about what’s going on in the world, and debate draws in a lot of people who are really out there and interesting to talk to.”

According to Hanley, Debate is a program that draws in kids from everything from football to theatre. The class offers students an opportunity to be true to their voices and see other people’s honest opinions. Playful disagreements over anything from the lunch menu to today’s trends are a frequent occurrences. The arguments always die out with laughter.

For Hanley, it began as a pastime but wound up being so

Debate is a program that not only has great rewards but builds lifelong friendships

much more and has grown into a time-consuming passion.

Not only has debate “helped him to gain public speaking skills, courage and allowed him to come out of his shell, but he’s also made many of his best friends through being on the team and spending so much time together.

On weekends, if the tournament is less than 13 hours away, the team will drive as far as Oklahoma, though most often, Blue Valley West to compete Friday evening and all day Saturday.

However when tournaments are far enough, the team gets to fly, courtesy of East’s Booster Club.

With the amount of time spent together, the team develops a strong bond by the end of the year and are spontaneously grabbing lunch at Johnny’s on the weekends or throwing Deadpool movie nights. Brock recently hosted a movie night at her house open to all varsity debaters since it was an off week.

And there are always new people to get to know. The debate program gains about 60 freshman each year. The advanced debaters work together to teach them and walk them through how a tournament will go and what points to hit the strongest in their arguments.

Every time a tournament is won and plaques are handed out, the debaters gain a renewed sense of confidence, as Brock put it. They go into the next week of class having an even better idea of what arguments need to be reworked. Collaboration is key to make sure everyone is on task in the chaos of the chit chat and music distractions.. The teamwork pays off, as the East debate program is ranked second in Kansas and sixth in the nation according to the National Speech and Debate Association.

“I don’t even think of it as classwork or homework. It’s such a cool thing that I get to do. I walk into this classroom and know I’m surrounded by past strangers who have become my best friends,” Brock said.

Keep it relevant “There’s this saying that we call clash, and to have clash you have to be able to make claims that are directly relevant to the argument [the opponent] is making.”

ABOVE | Junior Austin Brende points at senior Jacob ABOVE | Juniors Ashley Grills and Cameron Paddock Roberts during an argument over a water bottle in class. practice their debate in front of the class.

DESIGN GRACE CHISHOLM PHOTOS M ADDIE SMILEY

DECE MBER 4, 2017

F E AT U R E S 19

HAIR PAIR Married teachers Shawn and Jennifer Hair balance each other at school and at home

BY CAROLYN P OPPER Staff Writer

“L

TOP | Shawn and Jennifer Hair frequently visit each other

throughout the school day. "We do try to sit down as family members," Jennifer says. "We’re all gonna come in here and take a deep breath. He’s the first person to always say it’s gonna be a good day, let’s get pumped up."

MIDDLE | The couple is often able to bring their playful manner at home to school. "Working with my wife is fantastic," Shawn said. "She's my best friend."

BOTTOM | East has always been a special place for the Hairs.

"I knew this job was open so I applied and started working here 22 years ago," Shawn said. "She was a cheerleading sponsor and I was coach and we started hanging out."

et’s go, let’s go, let’s go! Get after it!”

Head basketball coach Shawn Hair’s voice booms through the hectic living room as he corrals his three daughters out the door for school.

Today, he takes 7-year-old Annabelle to St. Peter’s Episcopal School, while his wife, Jennifer, drops 3-yearold Caroline off at daycare. 16-year-old Grace rushes to her car for Sion. In the midst of all the early morning commotion, Jennifer almost slips into her minivan before the married couple can tell each other goodbye.

“I love you– “ “–Have a great day–” “–Touch base at school.”

By 7:20, both of their cars are parked in their usual staff spots in the staff parking lot of East to start the work day.

This is the morning routine of Digital Design teacher Jennifer and basketball Head Coach Shawn Hair who still show up to work eleven years after first meeting at his basketball games.

Eleven years ago, Jennifer was the cheer sponsor while Shawn was head basketball coach — and a single dad raising two kids. In prior years, Shawn had gone through a rough time between switching jobs, a divorce, and learning how to raise Grace and his son Luke on his own. Babysitters were hard to come by, so he often brought his kids to games.

Asking Jennifer to watch his kids was easy. Shawn needed to focus on coaching his players, so Grace would chant and holler with the cheerleaders and Luke sat with the players like he was part of the team.

“She was the one who was able to settle my life and help me through a really tough time,” Shawn said.

After a few games, the two started talking. At first it was grabbing dinner from The Other Place after games with coaches and teachers. Then it was Jennifer hot gluing Grace’s black cat costume for her kindergarten Christmas play. The relationship didn’t take long to get serious. Three years later they were married.

Jennifer Hair says she and her husband are yin and yang — his sometimes serious and rulefollowing demeanor balances her creative and laid back personality. While she admires his inclination to respect and follow rules, Jennifer still believes “rules are meant to be broken.”

They work as a team to ensure Annabelle reaches dance rehearsal Wednesday and Friday nights, soccer practice on Thursdays, Girl Scout meetings, daycare drop-offs are taken care of, and if lucky, everyone can sit down for a family dinner.

The pair continue to help each other in their work lives. In the middle of a heated game, Shawn won’t hold back as he coaches his players until red in the face.

Sometimes he doesn’t pick up on the body language of a kid who is struggling — but Jennifer does. When she hears from student chatter that a certain player has a hard schedule this semester, or doesn’t know all the guys on the team, she is likely to remind Shawn to keep an eye out.

Shawn affirms as much discipline on himself as he does with his PE students — enforcing rules to stay safe from injuries and bullying. His rule-following nature reminds Jennifer that sometimes cracking down is necessary. When the same student has strolled into class five minutes late the past week, it’s time for a talking to.

Jennifer often reminds him to be the father with the kids and the coach with the players, like when he’s challenging them to finish getting pajamas on in under a minute. He frequently takes himself too seriously, according to her, but that’s challenging when he’s sitting in a tiny chair playing tea party, and pretending to eat playdough cookies.

The two take advantage of working in such close proximity. Sometimes Jennifer will send down a lab aide to retrieve $10 so she can buy lunch from the cafeteria — if Shawn hasn’t already picked up a salad from Panera or placed money in her lunch account. Last year, alumna Eva Tucker became accustomed to running credit cards back and forth between the two. If she leaves her phone at home, he’ll run home to grab it and send a lab aide up with it.

“She’s my best friend,” Shawn says, “She does so much for me at school and in my life.”

On her way into a faculty meeting, Shawn greets her with a chocolate chip cookie he saved and lets her know he signed her in.

Although convenient that the two work just two floors away from each other, challenges come when they become attached to the students they both teach.

Over the years Shawn and Jennifer have both lost students to teen suicides and traumatic deaths. Jennifer believes if they worked separately, they wouldn’t both feel as if they were bringing the bad day home.

At the end of the day, when there’s time to take a breath, it’s not uncommon they break their agreement of talking about school at home. Work is hard to get away from, especially since they both love the community so much.

“I’m more of a boss at school, she’s more of a boss at home,” Shawn says. “But I’m sure she'd say she’s boss of both.”

DESIGN S CO U T RICE PHOTOS GRACE GOLDM AN

THE HARBINGER

20 F E AT U R E S

a DRIVING PAssion Junior Dalton Reck pursues his passion for fixing cars

J

BY NATASHA THOM AS Page Designer

unior Dalton Reck slides out from underneath his 1994 three series BMW, engine oil streaked on his sweater and a smile on his face. He’s got a wrench in his hand and automobiles on the brain, which according to Dalton, is how things are the majority of the time. “[Cars are] around 50 to 75 percent of my total thoughts,” Dalton said.

Dalton spends up to a quarter of the month modifying his bargain-bought green BMW: from installing a SuperSprint Racing exhaust, to polishing it to a perfect shine.

Washing his car, which he does twice a week, can take four hours. He’s sunk $2500 into things like replacing an air filter or buying new hub-centric wheels — which he often installs himself. It’s all to achieve every car nut’s fantasy — to build his ultimate project car.

Dalton wasn’t always so dedicated. It took a few coincidences, a little bit of hurt, and early mornings — 2 a.m. mornings — working in his garage to get working on his car 15 hours a week. From being a young boy fixated on matchbox cars to now planning out his career in auto engineering and building the car of his dreams, Dalton’s come a long way.

Since he was old enough to remember, Dalton has spent years with his eyes glued to the television screen whenever a Formula One race was on. You could count on finding

NOW Autoshop Tech classes at East

him in his garage watching with big eyes his dad, Joe Reck, coddle his beloved cars. Entire days would be devoted to affectionately polishing his favorite car — a teal 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Coupe — until he could see the garage reflecting off of its finish.

October of his eighth grade year, Dalton got the chance to use all the knowledge gained in his 14 years of watching other people take care of their cars. A family friend happened to have an extra 1994 three series BMW laying around, and it was offered to Dalton for $1500.

After years of staring at his posters from Formula One and helping his dad detail cars, he finally had his own to take care of.

Dalton took the plunge into modifying cars slowly and steadily, with some guidance from his dad, Joe Reck. First things first - he had to figure out what was wrong with his new *old* car.

“The paint was faded,” Joe said. “The suspension was weak, and things were torn, damaged and needed to be replaced.”

It was a project car, a fixer-upper in need of a “bit of love,” as Dalton said. A $1000-payout, hours of handiwork and detailing, and plenty of exploration into the car-ownership world ensued. March of eighth grade, Dalton was old enough to drive it.

His younger self was jumping in his seat when he got behind the wheel. Everything was new and fascinating, and the little boy with the matchbox cars wanted to learn more.

He started researching his car, watching YouTube videos and looking at car forums

online.

Then before Dalton had time to come down from his first-car high, tragedy struck.

On the second day of freshman year, Dalton walked out of school to find that the object of his money spent and nights covered in grease had been vandalized: the taillights on his car were broken, the mirror was shattered and keymarks were etched into the paint job. All his hard work was damaged like it meant nothing.

“I guess it made me more sentimental towards my car,” Dalton said. “At the end of the day I know it’s just a car, but to me that car embodied so much of my hard work, my passion for what I do and what I’ve gone through in my life.“ After getting over the initial pain of the battered car, Dalton turned the devastation into momentum: he worked on his car more than ever to restore it to its original condition.

A family friend helped Dalton repair the damaged body of the car. Late nights were spent in the garage; his bio paper and guitar practice were set aside until Dalton pushed through the last repair for the night.

He worked two to four hours twice a week detailing his car. Anytime Dalton ordered new parts, he would spend the next few days constantly glancing at the mailbox to see if his packages arrived.

Working through the problems with his car was making everything click in Dalton’s mind. When you step on the gas, the car doesn’t just magically go. You push down on

Dalton’s Plans

the pedal, which opens a flap and allows air to enter the engine, and the air combines with the fuel. He was quickly realizing his knack for the way the engine worked and his interest in perfecting the car’s design. It wasn’t long before a new concept came to him, something that would stick with him for years ahead.

He wanted to design cars.

Sophomore year brought him the perfect opportunity to get on the auto-career track: Auto Essentials class. Here was a class where “gearheads” like Dalton could get together and learn the fundamentals of cars. He went in early before school to talk to Mr. Gay, the auto teacher. The class was just a taste of what he could learn, and he was itching to get to junior year so he could take Auto Tech 1.

Now, Dalton is in Tech 1 class, and his dad says Dalton’s amount of work on his beloved BMW has hit its all time peak so far.

“As he’s spending more time in Auto Tech, he’s taken a larger interest in doing things on his own,” Joe said. “Over the last several months, he’s worked on [his car] more than I’ve ever seen.”

Next year he is hoping to take Auto Tech 2 and 3. Once he graduates high school he hopes to take engineering classes in college, and then it’s on to live his dream: to design cars for BMW or Nissan. But until then, he’ll continue to spend a Saturday afternoon polishing his BMW and reminiscing on the little boy with the matchbox cars, who watched people detailing their cars just like Dalton.

LATER

DREAM

Major in Mechanical Engineering

Design cars for BMW or Nissan

DECE MBER 4, 2017

DESIGN DIANA PERCY

P H O T O S T O R Y 21 LEFT | Reck works under his license plate, which

Junior Dalton Reck shares a love of cars with his father, Joe Reck, and spends time working on his reads “RECKLSS.” “My parents went to East as well and my dad’s license plate was ‘IMARECK’ own BMW every day and has always been a pun on his last name,” Reck

said. “[RECKLSS] has been on a ton of cars we had throughout life and when we got my car I asked if I could have it on mine.” | E LLIE T HO M A

BELOW | Reck removes the “good brake pads” off the broken caliper he was replacing.

| DIA NA PE RCY

FAR LEFT | Reck takes the handle off one of his jacks to use for more leverage when unscrewing bolts. “They were pretty tough,” Reck said. | DIA NA PE RCY LEFT | Dalton facetimes his father, Joe Reck, to find out what to do next on his car. “I finished quicker than I thought,” Dalton said. “So he was showing me through FaceTime where I needed to undo the bolts to remove the sway bar and sway bar bushings.” | CARS ON HOLTGRAVES

FAR RIGHT | Reck lays newspaper over the motor of his car while he is not working on it.

It protects from any “big, major contaminants” getting inside, according to Reck. | DIA NA P ER CY

RIGHT | Reck lays under his

BMW, working on removing the sway bar. “Cars can be an art in their own way,” Reck said.

“Seeing all the cool and amazing things different people and shops can do is really inspiring to go take a wrench and try your own hand at it.” | ELL I E TH O M A

DESIGN GRACIE KOST

C DE SWITCH

22 A & E

NPR’s podcast “Code Switch” shares stories of diversity that are relatable to all

BY ELIAS LOWL AND Staff Writer

“O

kay thanks Mom, I’ll check it out,” I retort with an eye-roll.

I have to give it up to my mom on this one. In the past year, following my involvement in the Diversity Club at East, I immersed myself in the study of race in this country. My mom took it upon herself to forward me every single article on race and identity she found. Finally, after what seems like hundreds of articles and blogs she has sent me, most of which are so boring I start dozing off halfway through, I found the podcast Code Switch – and it has me hooked.

Race, ethnicity and culture. Those are the themes behind every one of the roughly 80 episodes that Code Switch has produced since their creation in May 2016. The discussion of race has led to an explosion of talk shows, blogs and news that has given way too many good discussions, and quite a few bad (cue InfoWars and Breitbart). Unlike those two, Code Switch presents the material and allows the listener to form their position.

A majority of the success of the show comes from the diversity of the content; Code Switch isn’t focused on one racial group or minority, or on a certain set of issues. The podcast capitalizes on the relatability of race and uses it to connect to the listener, even me, the average, white male.

Even though the episodes have next to nothing in common, it still wasn’t hard for me to find multiple episodes that caught my interest, and while not every episode is on a riveting topic like police shootings or corruption in the legal system, Code Switch makes them worth the listen.

The podcasts, broadcasted every Wednesday on NPR online or on any podcast service started as a way for the creators, Shereen Marisol Meraji, who is Puerto Rican and Iranian, and Gene Demby, who is black, to debunk the claim that following Barack Obama’s reelection in 2012, America was now post-racial – and to prove that people continue to “code switch.” Which, according to Code Switch, in it’s simplest form, is subconsciously fitting in with what you perceive to be the right actions or persona.

“We decided to call this team Code Switch because much of what we’ll be exploring are the different spaces we each inhabit and the tensions of trying to navigate between them,” Demby said in describing the purpose of the podcast.

“In one sense, code-switching is about dialogue that spans cultures. It evokes the conversation we want to have here.”

Code Switch makes them worth the listen. The ability of the show to relate to all listeners and remain applicable is a great option for anyone looking to expand upon their understanding of race. They don’t focus on a single issue or change that they wish to seem happen, and being very dogged in my opinion, I found it refreshing to not have someone tell me how I should think.

As I was scrolling through the dozens of episodes on the Code Switch home page, two caught my eye. One, a feature on a black woman fighting to get into the legal marijuana business after dealing on the black market since she was 15. The other, an examination of Tupac’s influence in the 20 years following his death from the perspective of a black man who has followed him his entire life.

Nearly every episode starts the same way: an audio clip from someone involved in the topic. The clip, short and

abrupt, blindsides me and is usually followed by the disclaimer, “Heads up, today’s podcast contains language that some people might find offensive.”

Each episode’s content varies from the last. But in each, there is a sense of inquiry from the hosts, that made me much more intrigued by their story.

Miraji and Demby show real interest in the subject they are covering, asking interesting questions that helps keep the interview and discussion lively. The desire to learn more about the topic at hand is passed from host to listener, and this alone went a long way in creating an immersive and engaging experience for their audience, which is necessary since there are no visuals whatsoever.

Both episodes, one dedicated to Tupac and the other to marijuana, although they are on very different topics have a link. They both use experiences that people have had in showing how they perceive a topic that the majority wouldn’t think about.

The marijuana episode focuses more on active racial acts. The Tupac episode, however, is more directed at the perception of these acts from the view of the minorities. Both of these sides are of importance, but it seems to me, that candid accounts, without opinion on action, are becoming more scarce.

This is not the case in Code Switch. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to people who I have next to nothing in common with, share their perspective on topics that I am interested in.

The show doesn’t try to pontificate on what life is like or how we should feel about certain issues. The freedom to create your own conclusions from the stories portrayed give Code Switch life, that they will surely continue in the future.

THE HARBINGER

OTHER

NPR

PODCASTS IT’S BEEN A MINUTE SOCIETY & CULTURE “It’s Been A Minute” is hosted by Sam Sanders every Friday with two guests in a conversation about “not just what happened each week, but how it felt.”

EM BD

EMBEDDED

NEWS & POLITICS Host Kelly McEvers takes a story from the news and goes deep. “Embedded” (EMBD) takes you to where the news is happening.

HIDDEN BRAIN

SCIENCE & MEDICINE

Using science and storytelling, “Hidden Brain's” host Shankar Vedantam reveals the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior.

FRESH AIR

COMEDY “Fresh Air” is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross, the show features conversations with today's biggest luminaries.

HOW I BUILT THIS

BUSINESS

“How I Built This” is a podcast about innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists, and the stories behind the movements they built.

r font ve an his in n odd n the

DECE M BER 4, 2017

DESIGN ROBBIE VEGL AHN

downward spiral

While John Green’s “Turtles All The Way Down” has highlights, it lacks overall

P

BY LUCIA BARRA ZA Staff Writer

aper Towns, The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska – all critically-acclaimed, topselling books written by the one and only John Green. His quirky teen characters and complex writing has earned him a reputation of being one of the best Young Adult writers of his generation. So once his newest book, “Turtles All the Way Down,” appeared on my doorstep in the brown, Amazon delivery box, I had high expectations.

Unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype surrounding John Green’s other novels, but its unique characters and thought-provoking message still made it a worthwhile read.

The book follows 17-year-old Aza Homesley. On the outside she gets good grades, maintains a small social life, and appears to be in good health, but on the inside she is suffering from a debilitating mental illness.

Although the official name of her illness was never revealed in the 280 pages, her symptoms emulate obsessive compulsive disorder and extreme anxiety.

During Aza’s anxiety attacks, which she calls “mind spirals,” her mind splits into two different sides: reality and irrational fear. One side tells her a stomach rumble is life-threatening bacteria eating away at her insides. The other knows she’s just hungry.

John Green does a fantastic job of putting the reader in Aza’s head

to experience her inner battles.

Throughout the story, I was locked in Aza’s mind, experiencing every one of her anxiety attacks and breakdowns.

Reading the back and forth, intense mental banter I couldn’t help but get pulled into the anxiety with her. I found myself having to put down the book every so often just to take a breath and disconnect from Aza’s inner turmoil.

really didn’t understand Aza’s pain until the second half because in the first half it didn’t have a major effect on her everyday life.

However, after painfully trudging through the the first 120 pages, the pace finally picked up and I started to get pulled in. Romance appears, Aza’s past struggles are revealed, there is a car accident, and Aza gains a new outlook on life. Unfortunately, none of these exciting, fast-paced events occur in the first half.

However, the slow beginning was However, the slow beginning was worth suffering through to reach worth suffering through to reach the real plot. I enjoyed the brief but the real plot. I enjoyed the brief but cute, awkward teen romance that was cute, awkward teen romance that was introduced, but mainly I loved learn- introduced but mainly I loved learning more about Aza’s mental illness ing more about Aza’s mental illness struggles. struggles.

In the second half, she hits a low and the impact of her anxiety on her daily life and relationships is finally exposed.

Problems like not being able to kiss a My one major frustration with the boy without rinsing her mouth multiple book is that the beginning is incredibly times with hand sanitizer afterwards are slow. The entire first half has no finally revealed, allowing me to start to grabbing hook, no intriguing event or understand, and even connect with Aza mysterious character to pull me into the and her mental illness. story and keep me turning the pages.

But I’m glad I did make it through Yes, exposition is essential to set up to the end; Green ties together the the plot and characters, but close to 120 story with a message about accepting pages in a 280 page book is too much. oneself for who you are. I won’t tell you There were some small sparks of exactly what happens, I’m not fan of interesting scenes, but no explosions. spoiler alerts, but know this – even if you Devoting a whole chapter to Aza don’t cry, you’ll be left touched by John driving her friend to work isn’t genius Green’s brilliant ending. plot, it’s straight-up boring. I expected “Turtles All the Way Down” was no to become more acquainted with Aza’s different from the rest his novels which struggles with mental illness, but I all share and beautiful, real messages.

A & E 23

OTHER BOOKS BY

A comparison of other John Green books using the “hooko-meter,” which rates on a scale of 1-10 how strong of a hook or peg the book has to draw the reader in

Turltes All the Way Down OVERALL RATING:

k-o-mete hoo r

3/5 stars

4 4 out of 10

The Fault in Our Stars OVERALL RATING:

4/5 stars

k-ometer hoo

7

7 out of 10

Paper Towns OVERALL RATING:

k-o-mete hoo r

8

8 out of 10

4/5 stars

SECOND HAND style

THE HARBINGER

D ES I GN LU CY H OF FM A N P H OTOS K AT H E RINE ODELL

24 A & E

BY DO N N A K AY Staff Writer I’ve been thrift shopping since of the age of 7. I used to search for Barbie dolls, but now I keep my eye out for vintage finds. My love of thrifted clothes grew so so fast that I had to install a second bar in my closet. While anyone can find a good deal, thrifting is about more than saving money.

It’s about forming your own style instead of relying on the latest tube tops hitting the racks at Urban Outfitters. Plus, you always get that, “I just did a good deed” feeling when you leave the store: some thrift shops send 100 percent of their proceeds to charity.

I shopped at three local thrift stores.

This is what I found:

SAVERS 5/5 STARS 5441 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS Everyone who knows me well – or has even seen me walking in the halls – knows that my favorite article of clothing is a pair of high-waisted Levi jeans. Almost every pair, out of the many I own, came from the denim section of Savers. This was my original go-to thrift store for all my beloved items.

The Shawnee Mission Parkway location is where I have found everything from a Dior button-down to my ultimate thrifted find, 90’s Gucci loafers. When you’re looking for something unique, this is the store to go to because of its wide selection. There are many racks to choose from, with a great selection for every size.

Their merchandise isn’t just perfect for things from the past – you can shop here for current themed game-day gear and fun outfits for Friday night.

During my latest trip to Savers, I found a dress for my Thanksgiving dinner and a unique present for my aunt.

Savers has the best sales, too: almost every major holiday you can find a 50 percent off sale on their clothing, so you can get a huge haul of new things for even less. They are priced a bit above the other thrift stores, at an average of $8 an item, but the higher quality items make up for it. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters, which pairs children in need with mentors to help them reach their goals. In addition to clothing and holiday wear, this store always has top-notch options for handbags and shoes.

A review of Kansas City’s best thrift stores and what to get from each.

BLESSINGS ABOUND 4.5/5 STARS 10325 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS It sounds unlikely that a pair of pants can change your life, but before my first time in Blessings Abound, I had never heard of the Fashion Institute of Technology. After seeing and purchasing a pair of sweatpants that said “Fashion Institute of Technology” down the leg, I looked up the school and realized the school, in addition to the sweatpants, were the perfect fit.

Ever since this memorable find, I have never failed to look through the athletic wear section of this store. In addition to my favorite sweats, they have a vast selection of formal gowns from the 1970’s and earlier. They carry every item you could image, every kind of clothing and a vast selection of furniture and books.

The prices are very reasonable, around $5 for a shirt. All proceeds benefit the Metro Lutheran Ministry, the Lutheran Urban Mission Agency and the Blessings Fund, organizations which help people in poverty.

This store is one of the most organized and clean thrift stores I’ve ever been in: it has clearly marked departments and the floor is free of lint and dirt.

The clothes are all in great condition; nothing stained or old is put onto the floor.

On this particular trip to Blessings Abound, I found a pair of high-heeled tan boots that I plan to wear with my also-thrifted Rag & Bone jeans. They screamed “Buy me!” when I first saw them. This store will always have a special place in my heart and never fails to provide me with amazing finds.

RED RACKS 4/5 STARS 8026 Wornall Rd, KC,MO Red Racks carries everything from lawn mowers and video games to all kinds of clothing, which hang on – you guessed it –red clothing racks.

Rotating red LED lights on the ceiling highlight some of their departments, accompanied by a cheery, but slow-spinning “sale of the day” sign.

I found that this location is the best for clothing from the past, such as bell bottoms and vintage T-shirts branded with everything from colleges to gas stations. While this store could benefit from more donations to have the ability to put out more stock, you are still likely to find something special. Aside from the occasional bare rack, there’s always a hidden gem or two.

One of my all-time favorite finds from this location was a slightly faded red T-shirt that says “Drink Coke,” which I loved because of its vintage logo. The second vintage T-shirt I found here was a 1977 yellow and orange tie-dyed SME track shirt. It’s pieces like this unique and unexpected T-shirt that are the most memorable.

While this store is the smallest of the three, the prices are some of the cheapest in the area.

When I went, my cart of button-down shirts and comfy shirts set me back an average of $4 per article, which is a steal that’s worth checking out.

DESIGN GRACE PADON PHOTOS AISLINN MENKE

DECE MBER 4, 2017

SWEET SPOTS KANSAS CITY'S

A & E 25

BY JACKIE CA MER ON Staff Writer

Two Kansas City bakeries satisfy expectations and tastebuds

I’m all for ooey, gooey baked goods. Competing on the TV show “Kids Baking Championship” is number two on my bucket list, and when “Cupcake Wars” was taken off of Netflix, I didn’t touch my oven for days.

My green chevron apron, with my name embroidered at the top, is stained by the countless flour spills I’ve endured while baking oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Hoping to move past failed attempts — and gain

BLOOM BAKERY I was expecting the usual gumdrop fairyland or your typical lace apronwearing grandma associated with bakeries. Located in the City Market, Bloom Baking Company’s high ceilings, exposed brick and massive 'B' symbol surrounded by white string lights drew me in with its industrial look.

The bakery case displayed colossal cinnamon rolls, fruit tarts and cheese danishes. Macaroons ranging in color from lavender to green and an array of cupcakes sat in a separate case. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I opted for the french apple tart. Before I reached the cash register, a chocolate croissant caught my eye and I added it to my order.

Fruit pastries aren’t my favorite — I prefer chocolate — but the apple tart had me thinking otherwise. The flower-petallike arrangement of the apple slices, coated in a cinnamon glaze, sat atop a shortbread crust. Before my friend had a chance to take a Snapchat-worthy pic of the dessert,

some much needed inspiration — to emulate the Food Network’s cinnamon roll recipe and Dolce’s blueberry scones, I decided to test out Bloom Baking Company and Scratch Bakery.

SCRATCH BAKERY KC

I dug in. The crisp apple juice, sugary coating and crunch of the shortbread was heaven in my mouth. The shortbread acted as a sponge for excess sugar, and balanced sweet and savory perfectly.

The chocolate croissant took up half of the plate. After taking a bite, I second guessed my order — had I been given a plain? I was not tasting any chocolate. But once I reached the middle and got a bite of the dark chocolate, it softened in my mouth.

The flaky croissant resembled cotton candy when pulled apart. However, the fact that I had to search for the chocolate made me wish I had just stuck with the tart.

The delectable apple tart made up for the dull chocolate croissant. I was okay with the $12 price tag for the two items because of their large size — and my mom was paying. For those who don’t have a strong sweet tooth, Bloom offers savory quiches and sandwiches as well. On the way out, I snagged one of their catering forms in hopes they deliver apple tarts.

“Hungry? We can help.”

How welcoming!

Tucked between two large buildings in downtown Kansas City is Scratch Bakery KC. The interior has high ceilings and worn down brick walls that reminded me of Harry Potter’s entrance to Diagon Alley.

In addition to the charming atmosphere, their baked good selection was right up my alley. Croissants, snickerdoodles and humongous cinnamon rolls called my name from behind the display glass.

I finally settled on a pumpkin spice poptart and cinnamon chip scone.

The pumpkin pop tart had me thinking name brand Pop-Tarts should be banned from existence. The creamy pumpkin frosting combined well with the flaky exterior. Cinnamon and pumpkin flavoring filled my mouth, and I liked that the pop tart was homemade. Nothing tasted artificial. For those who don’t appreciate all things pumpkin, Scratch offers strawberry and wild berry pop tarts as well.

The cinnamon chip scone lived up to my high expectations after tasting the pop tart. A blast of cinnamon overpowered my mouth. Mixed with the sweet vanilla frosting on top, the two balanced each other out. The outside of the scone was crumbly while the center was soft and packed with cinnamon flavor.

Generally, I would think that a bakery would be busy around Thanksgiving. But the only other bakery goers were a couple and lone man working on a laptop. The lack of people made my time there more enjoyable; I was able to snack in peace.

The reasonable prices were a relief considering I survive on a babysitter’s salary. My two treats set me back a total of $7. Besides baked goods, Scratch’s menu offers an array of breakfast burritos, bowls and quiches. Lunch ranges from roast beef sandwiches to apple pecan salads and other light options.

But I know for sure that when I need a sweet treat, Scratch Bakery can help.

BAKERY BREAKDOWN SSS Industrial Chic 15 E. 3rd St, KC, MO 64106 French Apple Tart

PRICE

SSS

ATMOSPHERE Cute & Warm LOCATION

310 W. 8th St, KC, MO 64105

Cinnamon Chip JACKIE'S SUGGESTION Scone

DESIGN MEG THOM A PHOTOS LUCY MORTANTZ

THE HARBINGER

26 A & E

GOLDEN GIRL

FEATURED ART

Artist Cheryl Eve Acosta impresses with metallic jewelry and sculptures in Kemper Museum of Modern Art's "Women to Watch"

BY M AYA STRATM AN Staff Writer

E

ver since discovering artist Cheryl Eve Acosta’s jewelry, I have been in love. A fashion show with women walking around in neck-high coral like collars?

I’m there. New silver and bronze bracelets light to the touch?

I’ve seen them. So when I heard her work was being featured at the Kemper Museum of Modern Art, I bugged my mom repeatedly to check it out with me, jumping up and down with lines like “Wanna go with me? Wanna go with me?”

And after checking out Acosta’s work at the Kemper, I have a few new items on my Christmas list.

From June 16 to Jan. 20, five women have their art, made predominantly of different medians or types of metal, displayed at the Kemper. “Women to Watch” is a one-room gallery in which Acosta’s metal works take up a corner. There is still time to go discover Acosta’s jewelry and discover a new love for her oceanic and organic artistic style.

You can find this ocean-themed jewelry enclosed in three cases displayed like a collector's shrine. Each includes three different color schemes: gold, blues and grays, and styles to match each display.

When I walked up, my eyes went immediately to the beautiful blue rings in the middle case surrounded by other jewelry following the same series of blues. Each ring is like a knife with sharp yet delicate edges. I’m sure my hands would have followed, like picking up a unique seashell on the beach, if it weren’t for the hovering security. The metal turquoise and rustic colored rings molded into swirling shapes like that of a snail shell. Cuffs were placed along the bottom and on the back as well while the necklaces were pinned up dangling down the backboard of the display.

When looking at it, my immediate thought was: I need to get back to the beach which makes sense after learning that Acosta gets her inspiration from the ocean and beach.

The shells and coral found in an aquarium echo this metallic jewelry. Because she grew up in Puerto Rico, Acosta was surrounded by water. The colors and shapes used in her work resemble objects found along the seafloor. Each one is made of organic forms stacked or molded together resembling honeysuckles and shells made from metal.

CHERYL’S COLLECTION : A look into the artist's non-featured creations

The honeysuckle-like segments with deep blue centers fading out to cream edges were especially pleasing to study because of their colors. I found that these pieces made me think of nature and the raw natural beauty of it. Each one placed in front of the other made for a blue bracelet and long eccentric necklace. The long sides with multiple honeysuckle strands coming off of it and drooping down was unlike the necklaces you find at shops in the mall.

When I bent over the case to take a closer look I found clear beads snuggled in the bottom resting between the deep blue.

The ocean and beach theme were most obviously displayed in a few of the cuffs that resembled about 15 rustic-colored seashells glued to together. It was the type of item that seems almost too special to wear, like my mom’s wedding dress — it belongs in a box to be admired but not touched.

I could have stared at the array of blues and hidden beads within each design longer but after 10 minutes, I realized I had only seen the first case.

The other two glass encasements were similar in that they held dark grey and gold filigree cuffs and collars, reminiscent of the Victorian era and their large regal collars. Just looking at the light and lacy collars with a metal backbone made me feel like a queen. These poised and delicate pieces reminded me of royalty. At the same time, the structure was reminiscent of scuba diving between and around coral.

Luckily, Acosta’s jewelry is more accessible than scuba diving in Kansas. She has a shop located downtown called “Cheryl Eve Acosta/Sculptural Jewelry” as well as samples in other art galleries where someone can find a wider range of jewelry than shown at the Kemper.

My Christmas list is a lot longer with a few added swirly turquoise rings after seeing Acosta’s work. Because this is something I could not afford alone, like one of her simpler ring designs costing $235, the rings may be on my list for a while. Each piece from all three cases echoed the ocean and encompassed parts of its beautifully unique shapes in metal jewelry giving me an option to take my favorite place, the ocean, with me wherever I go. Hint hint, wink wink, @Santa.

JEWELRY

This featured ring is called Mer De Verre (Sea of Glass,) representing a basin of life

TOP | A metal creation called

tattoos

This metal body tattoo is priced at $135 and is inspired by the Fiji islands

#love puertorico

Half of the proceeds from this line are donated to Puerto Rico relief funds

"Fossilium" created in 2015 made out of copper.

MIDDLE | Both creations are

called "Ericius" and were made out of copper, enamel and glass in 2012.

BOTTOM | A creation made

with copper and organza in 2009 and is called the "Withered Bloom."

DESIGN HARRIS ON GOOLEY PHOTOS T Y BROWNING

DECE MBER 4, 2017

S P O R T S 27

FRESHMAN FIVE FOUR YEARS LATER The Freshman Five return for their final season with the boys’ varisty swim team

BY CARO L IN E CHISHOLM Copy Editor

A

fter three straight state titles and countless hours in East’s swimming pool, senior Brian Christian knows the drill. In between the sets of 25s and 50s, Christian remembers how [then] senior Mitch Kerr praised him in the car on their way home from practice every day for “putting in work.” He remembers [then] senior Tom Peters giving him a hug after “a bad swim” and telling him everything will be OK. Now in his last year at East, Christian reminds the underclassman at practice how many days they have until state because that’s what past seniors did for him.

“The [then] seniors conveyed what an honor it is to swim under Wiley Wright, and I learned since being a freshman that this is one of the greatest times of my life being on this team,” Christian said.

Christian was one of five freshmen who were awarded a spot on the boys’ varsity

swim team. Every season since he joined has been the same: league champions, regional champions, state champions. Now, in their final high school swim season, seniors Christian, Tyler Cunningham, Aidan Holbrook, Carter Kirkland and Evan Root are looking to inspire and encourage the underclassman on varsity to clinch their fourth state title.

Holbrook, who holds the school record in the 500 freestyle, agrees that having the seniors’ leadership was helpful in his swim career. Now that he is in his final stretch of swimming for East is underway, Holbrook hopes that the underclassmen on varsity this year will have the same respect towards him and the other four boys that he had toward the past senior classes.

This year, the five are focused on encouraging underclassman to set goals. “Don’t let the BVN swimmer you came second to beat you this time!” or “You can beat the 100 fly school record, just focus on your stroke” are what you can hear the seniors telling the underclassman, urging them to work hard.

“I’m trying to encourage underclassmen to have concrete goals,” Christian said. “So everyday when you walk into practice you think about beating a specific kid or team.

Think about swimming in Topeka on Feb 17 because every practice is for that.”

Holbrook’s goal is to set the record in the 200 freestyle state record. Root’s goal is to be under 46 seconds in the 100 free, under 50 seconds in the back and under 1:39 in the 200 free. Coach Wright’s goal is to be top three at state and top three at league.

The five boys made an impact as soon as they entered the swim program, according to head varsity Coach Wiley Wright. All coming from different swim backgrounds ranging from country club teams to premier teams, the boys brought their talent to the varsity team and immediately began proving themselves keeping up with the high intensity and fast pace of seniors.

The varsity boys pulled off the 2015 state win with help from the class of 2018’s talent according to Wright, despite being unexpected to win the state championship

because of their loss the previous season.

“The [then] freshman really gave the team the boost that we needed to overcome some of the deficiencies we had the previous year,” Wright said. “Adding their depth and then each year getting the team better and better to where it is now, they played a tremendous part [in getting us] where we are today.”

Freshman year Kirkland, Cunningham and Holbrook swam in the 400 freestyle relay earning the team just enough points to clinch the victory as reported by the Harbinger in 2015. Junior year, the five and their fellow varsity swimmers defended their state title by amassing 394.5 points –– the most in school history and second most in state history.

But just the team leaders; talents aren’t going to get the team to state according to Wright. It will take the tenacity and hard work of every boy swimmer for their team in order to be successful. According to Christian no matter how fast you are swimming for the team, if you are trying, the team will always have your back.

LEFT | Then-freshman Evan Root prepares for the 100-yard backstroke. | CALLIE MCPHAIL RIGHT | Then-sophomore Aidan Holbrook holds a sign underwater to tell his teammate how many laps he has completed. | morgan browning

TAKING THEIR

TIMES

A breakdown of the measurables of the fab five

BRIAN CHRISTIAN

185 lbs 6’0” 100 back 1:00.8

RIGHT | Mitch Kerr congratulates then-freshman Carter Kirkland after his 400-Yard Free Relay. | CALLIE MCPHAIL

AIDAN HOLBROOK TYLER CUNNINGHAM

155 lbs 5’10” 100 free 47.01

150 lbs 5’9” 100-yard fly 51.89

EVAN ROOT

175 lbs 6’3” 100 free 46.99

CARTER KIRKLAND

143 lbs 5’10” 100-yard fly 53.90

DESIGN ELIAS LOWL AND

THE HARBINGER

28 S P O R T S

Training AFTER TRYOUTS

BY K AY L IN MCCAN Section Editor

BOYS

BASKETBALL LAST SEASON

13-9

GIRLS BASKETBALL LAST SEASON

5-16

boys Swimming LAST SEASON

state champions

WRESTLiNG LAST SEASON

sent four athletes to state

B

oys basketball tryouts occurred the week of Nov. 13. The tryouts consisted of one-on-one, three-on-three, fiveon-five drills. The boys had been attending conditioning before tryouts in order to prepare for the season. This year there are seven seniors boys on varsity; Jack Schoemann, Seamus Carroll, Charlie Moreland, Will Curran, Jack Workman, Kelyn Bolton and Ben Dollar.

T

he girls basketball teams were announced Nov. 15 after a week of ball handling, communication and defense drills. Coaches used an evaluation system based on ratings to score the girls’ skills. Senior Libby Frye said they ran 10-65s just one day of tryouts, but that they run often throughout the season.

“I think the biggest weakness

T

he boys swim and dive team had tryouts on Nov. 13, the team will compete in 10 varsity meets throughout the season. The team plans to go for 15 straight league titles and 4 state championships.

“This season should be really fun but when it comes to an end

W

restling season began on Nov. 13th. With a new head coach, Lucas Vincent, who was a former football player at the University of Missouri, the team is prepared to learn new techniques.

“When you’re on the mat your blood is pumping, and it’s you versus another opponent,” varsity wrestler and senior

A look at the status of winter sports following tryouts

“I am really excited for this season because I love playing with the group of guys we have,” said varsity basketball player and senior Jack Schoemann.

“We have big expectations this year and it should be a lot of fun.”

The varsity boys will take on Bishop Seabury Academy tomorrow at 7 p.m at East.

we have this year is we are a pretty young team, we have a lot of key players who are freshmen and sophomores so we’ll have have to work hard to get to know each other’s playing style and how to work well together,” said varsity captain and senior Libby Frye.

Varsity’s first home game will be held Dec. 13th against Olathe Northwest.

I will be sad because I will miss this group of guys,” said varsity swimmer and senior Tyler Cunningham.

Their first home meet will be today against Olathe South and Shawnee Mission North.

Clarence Miller said. “Your main focus is beating him.”

There are also many returning seniors who have been wrestling since freshman year.

The wrestling team competes in 14 weight classes and their first wrestling meet will be held on Dec. 2 in Riley County, KS.

LEFT |

Junior Anderson Maddox shoots a threepointer. | Reilly m o re l a nd

LEFT |

Senior Sofia Stechschulte tries to pass the ball past a South player.

| Ha le y be ll

LEFT |

Senior Brian Christian swims backstroke during practice. | k athleen de e dy

LEFT |

Junior Cooper Lovelace gets pulled to the ground during a match | morgan browning

DECE MBER 4, 2017

DESIGN BRYNN WINKLER PHOTOS CARS ON HOLTGRAVES

S P O R T S 29

PLAYER

PROFILES

A look at the Comet’s roster NAME: Riley Kimmel POSITION: Defense

& midfield

friends ON THE field Students’ friendship improves the success and experience of playing on their club soccer team

BY MIRAN DA HACK Staff Writer

I

t’s the last seven minutes of the final game of the last tournament of the season. The U-17 Girls KC Comets are down 2-1 against the team they tied earlier that day — the only team they haven’t won against all season.

Junior Emily Cooper stands at midfield, out of breath, red-faced and panting. She starts to dribble the soccer ball at her feet, searching for someone to pass to.

She sees the flash of her teammate’s orange cleats and makes a long pass up the field, past the defenders, strong and clean. She doesn’t even have to look – she knows exactly where to pass it.

As Cooper stares down at the grass, she can hear the satisfying smack the ball makes on the black painted surface at the back of the goal.

She doesn’t even have to turn around to know that junior Taylor Fort is running up to her for a high five and a hug, or that junior Riley Kimmel is starting up a team cheer from back at her position on defense.

She knows exactly where her teammates will be, without turning her head — because that’s been their routine since Cooper joined the team four years ago.

Kimmel and Fort started long before that, in fourth grade. It’s been seven years of soccer with the Comets for them: meaning seven annual team sleepovers, countless after-practice ice cream runs and Gina Schiraldi, their once-intimidating coach that has turned into a friend.

Since then, six more girls from East have joined the team. They spend anywhere from five to 11 hours a week together. Hours poured into this team, and according to

them, are hours that contribute to their bond as well as their skills as a team.

“All of the time we spend together, it sometimes can seem like it’s just endless drilling and running and scrimmaging, but it’s really about those little moments and practices and games,” Kimmel said. “It’s when our coach makes snarky comments to the referee or we give each other stupid

On the field, when it matters, it’s almost like we’re playing in a puppet show, like we’re being controlled by strings or something. That’s how well we know how to play together.

R I LEY K I M M EL JUNIOR nicknames. Those moments make us closer as a team and I think we play better for it.”

Since Kimmel and Fort joined, the Comets have moved from Division 3 to – what should be, according to Kimmel – Division 1. “Should be” because, although they’ve beaten or tied everyone in their own division this season, they won’t be moved up to from Division 2 to the top division until next year. After 8 games in their regular season, they’ve only conceded 5 goals.

But now that the second to last season for the U-17 Comets is over, the eight girls will be split up this spring when some of them will play for East. New teams, new friends and new traditions, since the girls are split between varsity, JV, and C-team.

According to Garverick, the Comets and East have very different dynamics.

“At East, the environment is much more laid back,” Garverick, who has been on the team for three years, said. “On Comets, I feel like we’re more concerned with winning, and I’m closer with my teammates from the start. At East it can take longer for us to really bond and start to play like a team.”

Already in this club season, she’s formed that bond with people she hasn’t played with before, and has adjusted to their style. It’s the advantage this bond gives them, she believes, that makes their team stand out.

“I always know who I can count on for specific plays,” Garverick said. “If I need to make a long pass, I know it should go to Emily Cooper, just because she's the best at catching up to those.”

Although Kimmel doesn’t play for East, she’s played on other club teams and feels the same way. She believes that their style of play is totally unique, and can be attributed to the time they’ve spent together in practice over the years.

“On the field, when it matters, it’s almost like we’re playing in a puppet show, like we’re being controlled by strings or something.” Kimmel said. “That’s how well we know how to play together.”

And, to the girls, that’s where the strength of this team lies. It’s in the power of their coordination, in the fact that they have been playing together since before braces and in the unique bond they share, one that allows them to know where each other are on the field without ever looking up.

YEARS ON KC COMETS:

7

NAME: Taylor Fort POSITION: Defense YEARS ON KC COMETS: 7 NAME: Tatum Meyer POSITION: Midfield YEARS ON KC COMETS:

6

NAME: Lucy

Morantz POSITION: Forward YEARS ON KC COMETS:

3

NAME: Emily

Cooper POSITION: Forward YEARS ON KC COMETS:

4

NAME: Katie

Garverick

POSITION: Forward YEARS ON KC COMETS: 3

NAME: Sophie

Barret POSITION: Defense YEARS ON KC COMETS:

1

NAME: Lauren

Sandow

POSITION: Midfield YEARS ON KC COMETS:

1

DESIGN ELLIE THOM A

THE HARBINGER

30 P H O T O S T O R Y

T THE IPPIN

G POINT

After constructing boats out of cardboard and duct tape, Mr. Martin’s AP Physics 2 class tests them in the swimming pool

ABOVE | Seniors Jared Taylor and

Dalton Mall sink each other’s boats after the race. “It was honestly really scary getting into the boat because I didn’t really trust it,” Mall said. “Finally making it across was a huge relief.”

ABOVE | Senior Oscar

Schwartz reaches his hand out for the side of the pool as he begins to sink. “I tried to make [my boat] kind of stream lined so I could go fast,” Schwartz said. “Unfortunately, I sunk halfway through.”

| A IS LINN M E NKE

LEFT | Senior Alex Zugazagoitia

laughs with seniors Zach Krause, Sid Choudhury, Ellie Green, and Cal Knabe as he waits to test his boat. “I got a time of 34 seconds, which broke every previous record,” Zugazagoitia said. “When I finally touched the edge, I was ecstatic.” | E LLIE T HO M A

| D I A NA PERCY

RIGHT | Senior Sid

Choudhury carefully carries his boat out to the water for his turn to race.

LEFT | Senior Zach Krause fights back as his classmates gang up on him.

“After the race, Mr. Martin gave us the opportunity to try and sink each other’s boats,” Krause said. “So I had to fight hard to keep [Dalton Mall] from sinking mine.”

| E L LIE T HOM A

| A IS LINN M E NKE

LEFT | After the races, senior Ellie Green climbs into her boat to test it out. “It was really nice to see all of my hard work pay off,” Green said. “I floated all the way across the pool, down and back, without getting wet.” | DI A N A P E R CY

Bring clothes Clothing Drive For the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

*PAID

ADVERTISING

WHERE:

Blue bins will be places in the front oďŹ&#x192;ce, the south ramp entry and outside the gyms.

WHY:

R

WHEN:

December 13-17

Provide wearable clothes for children and families in the Kansas City area.

DESIGN ANNA MCCLELL AND PHOTOS COURTE SY OF MCT CA MPUS

32 A LT- C O P Y

RECOUNTING

A timeline of the evolution of Taylor Swift

BY LIDDY STALL ARD Section Editor

I

know it’s easy to throw stones at Taylor Swift. People say she’s whiny, she’s constantly breaking up with someone, she’s dramatic, but honestly, I really don’t care.

Taylor has provided constant anthems that anyone can find ways to relate to. “22” is my go to when I’m cruising down Mission Road screaming the lyrics with all my friends tell our

1

S O C I A L M E D I A B L A C KO U T AU G . 1 8 TH

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SECRETIVE SNAKES The day after the solar eclipse

four days after her Instagraminsta blackout Taylor shared three cryptic videos creating the slithering body of a snake and its face popping out of the dark with bright red eyes and pointy fangs. These videos came with no comments or background information leaving plenty of room for fans to create their own theories. Many believed she was mocking Kim Kardashian who released footage of her phone call with Kanye on national snake day, others believed her next era was going to be space themed since she timed the videos around the eclipse. Finally on Aug. 23 Taylor announced her sixth album “Reputation,” with news of the first single from it coming out at midnight.

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The day after the Barcelona terrorist attack

August 18th marks the day Taylor Swift sent her 250 million Instagram and Twitter followers into a frenzy after blacking out all forms of social media. All the videos of her cats Meredith and Olivia and pictures with her famous girl squad were nowhere to be found. After spending almost a year unplugged from all media, fans were blowing up Twitter with excitement because they knew the start of a new Taylor-era was underway.

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throats hurt, “Forever and Always” when I’m feeling sentimental and “Starlight,” my personal favorite, fits any occasion. I can’t imagine the hours I’ve spent belting “You’re on the phone with your girlfriends cause she’s upset.” I can even say I’ve left all four of her concerts feeling closer to Taylor than ever before. Don’t make fun of me, but I think much more of her than just another pop star. As you can probably imagine I was beyond excited to see what the new “Reputation” era had in store for fans.

Harvey officially classified as a hurricane

“the old taylor can’t come to the phone right now, why? Because she’s dead.”

Taylor’s lead single off her new album “Reputation” called “Look What You Made Me Do” could be found playing on several radio stations all at once within days of being released. Although the thought of the old Taylor that I have come to admire so much being dead brought a few tears to my eyes, I trusted that I would love whatever her next moves in the music industry would be. This song is a power ballad making it clear that she’s done caring what others think of her. It is also an explanation to why her album is called “Reputation.” She wrote the electro-pop song with her producer Jack Antonoff.

Within hours, the song broke a large sum of records: most played song of the day on Spotify, top of the charts in 14 different countries and platinum certifications in the United States and Australia.

FULL ALBUM DROPS N O V. 1 0 T H

SM East football loses sectionals to BV North

on nov. 1oth at midnight Taylor ended her music drought of 2014 and Swifties, including myself, were freaking out. The album is electro-pop with bits of Nashville songwriting in her lyrics and features from artists like Future and her life long friend Ed sheeran. The album has 15 songs each one written by Taylor with well thought out lyrics that told a story. The album has a mix of love songs about her new boyfriend and how she has totally over caring what people say about her. Randy Lewis from the L.A. Times said “Taylor Swift’s talent remains intact on reputation, her most focused, most cohesive album yet.”

THE HARBINGER