The Harbinger Issue 9 2023-24

THE

harbinger...

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 7500 MISSION ROAD PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS 66208 JANUARY 2 2, 2024 VOLUME LXVI ISSUE 9

A

GROWING

S o c i a l m e d i a h a s i n c re a s e d s te roid use a m o n g y o u n g p e o p l e b y s h i ft i n g lifting

c u l t u re a w a y f ro m h e a l t h y f i t n e ss and tow a rds ac h i e vi n g mu sc ul ar p h y sique s

A LOOK INSIDE:

page 7...

Students with diverse backgrounds start a new Multicultural Club

PROBLEM

16...

25...

SMSD DARE officer Brian Wolf published a new children’s book

Junior Will Beck goes from sophomore team to Varsity basketball in one year

02 | JANUARY 22, 2024

THE HARBINGER

de sig n b y addi e mo o re

c o v e r d e s ig n b y ve ro n i c a ma n gi n e

c o v e r p h o to b y l i v m a d d e n

ĢÁőĆĩĢūĆàä Ģäūʼn

ĩĢěĆĢä łŅäŪĆäū

A curre n t e v e n t h a p p e n i n g i n F l o w e r Mo u n d , Texas,

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

ac cord ing to ne ws p a p e r e d i to r K e ato n S h a f f e r

The Lewisville Independent School District banned the use of Wikipedia on school devices.

It was found that the site did not meet its content filtering requirement, with access subsequently removed

FMHS WIRE

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ʼnőÁƅ ěĆʼnő PRINT EDITORS K atie Murphy Greyson Imm

ONLINE EDITORS Aanya Bansal Maggie Kissick

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FLOWER MOUND HIGH SCHOOL

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ART EDITOR

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Bridget Connelly

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ONLINE POST MANAGER Luciana Mendy

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

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łĩěĆőĆÚÁě ÚÁŅőĩĩĢ art by zane laing

Read an opinion on being pressured to practice religion, a feature about senior Nora Hill’s job at a helicopter tour place and view a gallery from the basketball game against SMNW

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EDITORIAL POLICY The Harbinger is a student run publication. Published editorials express the views of the Harbinger staff. Signed columns published in the Harbinger express the writer’s personal opinion. The content and opinions of the Harbinger do not represent the student body, faculty, administration or Shawnee Mission School District. The Harbinger will not share any unpublished content, but quotes material may be confirmed with the sources. The Harbinger encourages letters to the editors, but reserves the right to reject them for reasons including but not limited to lack of space, multiple letters of the same topic and personal attacks contained in the letter. The Harbinger will not edit content though letters may be edited for clarity, length or mechanics. Letters should be sent to Room 400 or emailed to smeharbinger@gmail.com.

CRIMSON REMINDER

A

HEATED

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 03

THE HARBINGER

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

The highly-publicized and dramatic re signation of Harvard pre sident Claudine G ay is a reminder that politic s can serve to discredit academia and schools m ust rem a i n n eut ra l

CONGRESSIONAL

humiliated on political whims, tabloid-style.

gone viral. Politicians blowing up

As politics affect schools, students lose

social media. A flood of articles

trust and question if administrations have

in the New York Times and Wall

their best interest in mind.

Students, not politicians, should be holding

Street Journal.

;g ͢ ̩̫ < Ha ͢ ̨ The members of the editorial board who agree with the viewpoint of the editorial are represented by for, and those who disagree with the viewpoint are represented by against.

administration’s statement about the Israel

symbolic

Palestine conflict.

must evolve into a deeper institutional fight.”

fight

over

Harvard’s

presidency

It’s not like politics have no place in the

Representative Elise Stefanik posted “TWO

classroom. Informed and respectful discourse

DOWN” on X in response to Gay and the

between students over political beliefs is

president of UPenn’s removals.

No, this isn’t the recipe for a B-tier crime

administrations accountable. Students should

drama or soap opera. It’s simply recent events

bring issues directly to administration, then

But there’s a difference between a healthy

surrounding one of the most prestigious

to politicians and the media if change isn’t

debate about income tax and the economy

administrations

universities in the world.

made.

during AP Government and political candidates

pressure to take sides. Academia isn’t a

on C-SPAN claiming that higher education is

political pawn to be ridiculed — it’s the

indoctrinating the next generation.

foundation of an informed and successful

The

highly-publicized

resignation

“

of

former Harvard president Claudine Gay serves

as an urgent reminder for all of education: schools must withstand political schemes to discredit academia and remain neutral to preserve student respect.

Conservative congresswoman Elise Stefanik

aggressively questioned Gay alongside MIT

and University of Pennsylvania’s presidents about

freedom

of

speech

in

December

SO IT’S UP

to students to tune out political nonsense surrounding education, and to administrations to withstand political pressure to take sides.

something to be valued.

So it’s up to students to tune out political

Ideally, politicians would keep out of the

nonsense

surrounding to

education,

and

withstand

political

society.

classroom themselves and leave students

For the sake of younger generations, and

to explore politics on their own terms. But

with all politics aside, let’s keep respecting

there’s no sign of that happening anytime

education.

soon.

Politicians

like

political

activist

Christopher Rufo have already said that “the

following student protests about Palestine on their campuses. After Gay continued to serve

Yet politics from both sides continue

despite calls for her removal, political activist

to bleed into academia, with or without

Christopher Rufo began investigating Gay’s

student input. Donations from political

history, digging up accounts of plagiarism in

supporters have effects on universities,

her 2001 and 2017 academic papers.

like increasing or decreasing programs in

Yes, Gay deserved to be removed for

diversity, equity and inclusion. Lawmakers

academic dishonesty. But the way she was

clashed with universities on their policies

removed — a calculated political investigation,

during the pandemic. Some professors face

sparked by opponents of her own political

outside backlash for their political beliefs.

beliefs — sets a dangerous precedent creating

Public statements from schools can also cross the political line. Harvard and

a whole new level of concern.

Seeing the president of a top university

other Ivy League schools have released

become a political target shows that elected

arguably-liberal statements about current

officials aren’t afraid to attack anyone in the

events like the war in Ukraine.

educational system that they disagree with.

It

becomes

a

slippery

slope

when

For education to remain credible, we can’t

schools take a political stance through

simply target educators that don’t fit political

statements about current events. Once an

trends.

administration comments about one war, away

there is a precedent set for statements on

from the true purpose of school — to teach

all wars. We begin to wonder where the

students — and dramatize the education

line of support is drawn, and students are

system

bound to be upset.

Issues

in

like

this

general.

draw

We

attention

want

to

respect

our top universities, administrations and teachers instead of watching them be publicly

Like have

at

Harvard,

already

where

complained

students

about

the

CATCH UP NOW A c o l l e c t i o n o f Q R c o d e s to re s ource s about the recent e ven t s w h e re ac a dem ia a n d pol i t i c s h a ve m i xed

to

SCAN ME Learn about Jewish students suing Harvard

SCAN ME VIDEO Video published

by PBS outlining the events of Gay ’s resignation

SCAN ME Learn about more about the events leading up to Gay ’s resignation

Briefs...

storie s b y mya smith

04 | JANUARY 22, 2024

smeharbinger.net/category/news

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS CHANGE FOR CLASS OF 2028 THE KANSAS STATE Board of Education confirmed several changes to the high school graduation requirements starting for the class of 2028 on Nov. 10.This included two career readiness activities — determined by their Individual Plan of Study on Xello.

Students will need to complete two post-secondary assets from a list of career or real-world activities aligned with their IPS, such as apprenticeships, SAT scores and even 90% attendance at school The changes to the Kansas high school graduation requirements that have been the same for the past 20 years have been in the making since 2021.

Students will still need to have a minimum of 21 credits to graduate, changing the English requirement to 3.5 credits and 0.5 credits of communications, one STEM credit, and a half credit of P.E. According to Kansas school board member Melanie Haas, the

main goal of the new requirements is to utilize students’ Plan of Study to experiment with what they want to do after high school.

“The goal of their graduation change was to create more flexibility so that students would have an opportunity to really explore and figure out what fits them,” Haas said.

Indian Hills Middle School has not told the current eighth graders about the changes yet. Eighth grader Chase Reeves feels that they need to notify incoming freshmen as soon as possible.Chase Reeves believes that these new requirements may not have an impact on some students with a good idea of what their IPS is. But for students that don’t know what they want to do after highschool, it could be more difficult.

“We’re getting kind of close to enrollment, I think Indian Hills needs to tell us about it,” Reeves said. “I think for some students it will be a bit more challenging but for me, I think it’ll be easier.”

LOCAL SHOP, THE LEARNING TREE, IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT EAST ALUMNI BRETT Goodwin and his husband Alan Tipton bought The Learning Tree — a toy store in Corinth Square—on Nov. 10 and are currently revamping the store while connecting with older customers.

“Our number one goal is not to screw up anything and make sure we keep the magic that [the store] has,” Brett said. “We’re really proud of the book section. Books and literature [are] a really great way to keep connected with people.”

Previous owners Jonny and Jane Girson sold the store to retire after founding it in 1996. Learning Tree employee and senior Nora Herring has already noticed changes at work. “[The new owners] are bringing

store,”

Nora

Herring

said.

“I’m

really excited because I think that it’s really good to have a small, local business being run by a gay couple.”

The Goodwins were inspired to an advertisement in the Shawnee Mission Post.

“We read about the opportunity and I just knew right away that we had to call them,” Brett said.

When Brett was a high schooler at East, he worked at Village Toy — a former store in the Prairie Village shops.

T O P The Learning tree is located at 4004 W 83rd St, Prairie Village, KS 66208 in Corinth Square. photo by caroline martucci

“I knew from that age that I’d someday have a place of my own,” Brett said.

some new, young energy to the

DEBATE PREPARES FOR THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTERFINALS tournament on Feb. 17.

All four East teams — consisting of two people each — moved on from the preliminary rounds into the top 32 teams, but only two teams made it to the top 16.

Juniors Sophie Leonard and Lucy Pace made it to the quarterfinals with the highest finish and a final record of 6-3.

“I definitely learned that everyone is beatable because not only did a lot of good teams get out in early rounds,” Pace said. “It kind

CREDITS

Old graduation requirement s compared to the new gra du a tion re qu ire me nt s

ENGLISH

4

3.5

0

0.5

0

1

credits COMMUNICATIONS credits STEM

EDUCATION

at the Learning Tree this summer,

DEBATE MADE IT to the quarterfinals of the 6A two Speaker

NEW

credits PHYSICAL

purchase the toy store after seeing

State Championship on Jan. 13 and are preparing for their next virtual

d e s ig n b y sydney eck

of humbled us a little bit which definitely needs to happen in the future.”

The teams prepared for the championship with speed drills, and researching their opponents tournament records and arguments, according to sophomore Ishaan Home.

“We have to look at our opponents’ arguments on the Wiki Online where we see and disclose our arguments to each other,” Home said.

Junior Jaxson Terreros and senior Maddie Doyle will join Pace and Leonard at the virtual Spartan Green and Gold Tournament on Feb. 17.

1

0.5

7.5

7

credits ELECTIVES credits

SCAN ME WEBSITE Scan to find the specifics about the new graduation requirements

2021

2022 2023 T h e g row t h o f t h e ca n n a b i s marke t i n M i s s o u r i ove r t h e p a s t t h re e ye a rs

R

JANURARY 22, 2024| 05

THE HARBINGER

stor y by ave ry an de rs o n

de s i g n by zan e l ai n g

GREEN SURGE Missouri is expected to surpass their marijuana sale s this year after their first full year o f l egal recreat i o nal cannab i s sal e s

* nam e s c h a n ged to p rote ct i de n ti t y

ECREATIONAL CANNABIS PROFITS have reached over $1.3 billion since its legalization in Missouri last February, partly due

to Kansans crossing the border to purchase, while retailers hope for more profit this year.

While there had been a pre-existing market for medical-use marijuana, over $72 million of the state’s gross profit came from adult recreational sales due to the recent legalization, according to KCUR. Senior Ayden Beveridge-Calvin has observed increased marijuana use through family members. “[Marijuana sales] were able to grow like wildfire because people tried it and then convinced other people to try it,” Beveridge-Calvin said. “Then the people who were already smoking it before it was legal are now doing it even more.”

Junior Benjamin Andrews* has noticed a large portion of Kansas residents going into Missouri to purchase marijuana on a regular basis. He feels this is a main contributor in sales in Missouri.

Local dispensaries such as Fresh Karma, located in Kansas City, are aiming to surpass last year’s sales, according to Fresh Karma’s retail director, Geordie Pollock. With the combination of an expanding market, fair pricing, a good geographic location and a

wide product range, Pollock says they’re on track to achieve this goal. “[Lawmakers] did a good job as far as

“I think a lot of folks have found [cannabis products] are a good alternative or method for them to relax at the end of the

Missouri will set the stage for economic growth in recreational marijuana sales.

“I know that the department of health [in

what’s available and the pricing is pretty

day,” Pollock said. “It’s a good alternative to

Missouri] has done an excellent job of craft-

good here by comparison,” Pollock said. “But

pharmaceuticals [or] alcohol and it’s helped

ing and rolling out their regulations,” Rayl

being in the center of the country is huge.”

people to get off of pharmaceuticals and

said. “Some would say they’re being a little

other dangerous things.”

too heavy-handed with their enforcements

With seven of its eight bordering states banning recreational cannabis sales, those living in bordering states have resorted to purchasing marijuana products in cities along Missouri’s border.

“As far as IDs go we see them from a lot

ca•nna•to•ur•i•sm

t ra v e l re l a t e d t o c a n n a b i s o r i n c o r p o ra t i n g c a n n a b i s u s e , t y p i c a l l y w h e re a n i n d i v i d u a l t ra v e l s f ro m a s t r i c t e r s t a t e t o a m o re l e n i e n t j u r i s d i c t i o n

of different places,” said Pollock.

“

and interpretations of some of the regulations on the sale of cannabis, takes and products but my experience in other states is that that is exactly what leads to a more successful model [for selling cannabis].

It tends to squash out the dominance of the

Sales are forecasted to increase each year.

illicit market.”

This would make Missouri a top 10 contribu-

The demand for marijuana has grown

tor to cannabis sales in the United States out

immensely with Kansas City’s second most

Missouri and all throughout the city there are ads for this random CBD place or this random dispensary

of the 25 states that currently allow the sale

googled “near me” search in 2023 being

of recreational marijuana.

“Dispensary near me,” according to KC

AYD E N BEV ERI DG E- CALV I N SENIOR

I WORK IN

The growing popularity and demand of

cannabis products is also playing a large role

Of the four states that legalized recre-

Today.

ational marijuana in 2023, Missouri had the

The American Trade Association for Can-

highest sales, according to MJBizDaily. An-

nabis and HEMP argues the sales are benefi-

drew Rayl works at a company that sells legal

cial for Missouri saying cannabis businesses

and recreational marijuana across the US and

pay hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes

believes that Missouri could be a contender

each year to improve the state. Retailers like

for the top sales spot in the United States if

Pollock see this as a reason to keep recre-

the level of demand continues to grow.

ational cannabis products legal and a way to

The extraordinary numbers can’t be

further promote their businesses.

in the continued increase of sales. Pollock

fully attributed to in-state buyers, however.

believes this is partially due to people finding

“Canna-tourism” has been a key factor in

ket] to grow exponentially,” Rayl said. “It’s

the less-addictive nature of some cannabis

the influx of sales and will continue to cush-

been a boom year for them.”

products appealing compared to other harsh-

ion the market, according to KCUR.

er drugs.

WHERE’S IT LEGAL?

A m a p o f th e Un i te d S tate s s h o w-

c a s i n g d i f f e re n t l e v e l s of leg a lit y a s s o c i ate d w i th m ar i j u a n a

Rayl says the law enforcement level in

“I’d expect [the Missouri cannabis mar-

06 | JANUARY 22, 2024

182

HOMICIDES IN KANSAS CITY

*according to kcpd

RECORDED

T h e c o m m uni t y i s unset t l ed after t he num b er o f gun vi o l ence inc ide nt s in K a nsa s Cit y pe a ke d la st ye a r

K

ANSAS CITY EXPERIENCED record

places where the police force is understaffed.

of the possibility of a pre-planned attack.

gun

According to Newman, criminals know the low

Like freshman Maddie Torkelson, who was in

number of officers and take advantage.

fourth grade when a shooting occurred at her

violence

incidents

in

2023,

according to Kansas City Star data, causing apprehension in the East

A young man had fired several shots at the

Freshman Audrey Squires is concerned by

school from across the street, but no one in her

people die at the hands of gun violence,” co-

the rise of gun violence, especially since she

class was harmed. According to Torkelson, the

president of East Against Gun Violence club

experienced a school shooting at her old school

teachers did everything they could to keep the

in Colorado a few years ago.

students from knowing what was happening.

HOMICIDE

Emma Kuhlman said.

*according to KC Star

SCHOOL

SHOOTINGS

IN KANSAS

2022 TO

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

highest

through the night.”

homicide

Kuhlman

plans

to

continue

advocating

More recently at East on Nov. 30, there was

against gun violence this year by organizing

90s within the last

a gun-scare incident with a rumored threat

protests, speaking on panels and promoting

year, almost all of

near the lunchroom that was later debunked.

these killings were

Still, rumors of the threat left more than half of

committed

students to leave school early.

with

“

anti-gun violence organizations.

“I was generally very scared because I didn’t police

know what I could believe,” Co-President of

officer

Kaile

East Against Gun Violence and senior Kuhlman

Newman

says

said.

According

to

Newman,

the

approach

to

can

solving gun violence is complicated, since it

be brought into the

is affected by factors such as accessibility to

area by drugs and

weapons and citizens’ education on firearms.

crimes

criminal

activity,

sometimes

167

*according to kcpd

“But we really knew what was actually going on,” Torkelson said.

rate since the early

these

FROM

ARGUMENTS

consistently,” Squires said. “I couldn’t sleep

that guns used in

INCREASED

2023 HOMICIDES:

has experienced the

Local

HOMICIDE RATES

MAIN CAUSES OF

“I had really bad nightmares for three years

KCMO

guns.

*according to wisevoter.com

2023

area

The

THAN ANY OTHER YEAR

into

“[Adults need to be] more responsible and better about locking [their] guns,” Newman said.

She

says

areas

experiencing the

OF THE

HOMICIDES

INVOLVED FIREARMS

*according to KC Star

NEARLY HALF OF

VICTIMS ROBBERY HOMICIDE WERE MALES AGES *according to kcpd

elementary school, Highlands.

“Nobody wants to sit idly by and watch more

MORE DEATHS BY

17

“Everybody’s short staffed,” Newman said.

“Everywhere.”

community.

KANSAS CITY

d e s ig n b y l u c y s t e p h e n s

A DEADLY YEAR

IN 2023:

ON RECORD

story b y n e i l wi l l i ams

THE HARBINGER

18 34 TO

*according to KC Star

most

WE HAD AROUND 200

people show up [to our last anti-gun violence walkout] , which was awesome, and I think that speaks a lot about how people feel about this topic.

EMMA KUHLMAN SENIOR

“We had around 200 people show up [to

gun

our last anti-gun violence walkout], which was

related

crimes

awesome, and I think that speaks a lot about

are

mainly

how people feel about this topic,” Kuhlman said.

crimes

of

She encourages other students to take action

opportunity

as well. According to CNN, there were 82 school

where

shootings in the US alone in 2023 and there have

the

criminal does not

plan

“Don’t be afraid to speak up about issues

act,

that you are passionate about”, Kuhlman said.

takes

“Because that is the only way to make change.”

criminal but

advantage

of

a situation to commit one.

S

o

m

e

students, however,

already been two in 2024.

a

are

concerned

s tor y by pre st on hooker

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 07

THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by sydney ec k

MULTICULTURAL

T

HE MULTICULTURAL CLUB started at the beginning of January and is holding their first meeting on Jan. 28 after students decided that East needs a safe space for minority students

following the racial attack in November. All interested students are encouraged to join.

Though still in the developmental stages, a group of upperclassmen including senior Taylor King were inspired to create the new club by other similar existing clubs at other nearby high schools. East is the last Shawnee Mission school to have a club focused around spreading ideas from different cultures.

“I’m excited to find ways to reach out to our district from our school”, King said. “[We] try to get policy changes and

“

create inclusion or events to show inclusion in the school.”

I’M EXCITED TO to find

junior representative Dayana Camila giving advice on the subject, as West have struggled with similar recruiting issues as well.

“For advice on the club, be patient, because you won’t get a good club in the first meeting,” Camila said. “It will take a couple of meetings to build everything up and to be really taken seriously, but by telling friends and posting on social media, it’ll be easy to get the word out.”

West has had success with their club, with students of all ethnicities joining and participating in the club’s meetings.

At special meetings or “Scholarship Nights,” students are given the ability to access various resources through the website KC Scholars related to the collegiate and educational offerings in the KC-metro area.

Senior John Mendy has been attending group meetings with administration, Shawnee Mission’s diversity equity and inclusion coordinator and teachers to set up the club.

ways to reach out to our district from our school.

[We] try to get policy changes and create inclusion or events to show inclusion in the school.

However, he’s noticed an issue before the club has begun.

SENIOR

promotion through various other East-based organizations.

TAYLO R K ING

participate, not just minorities,” King said. “We’d like it to

In late December, King and others attended a cultural

be open to everybody, even if other students at East don’t

“A lot of those people are seniors, so we’re also trying to work on recruiting underclassmen as well as juniors,” Mendy said. “Those who want to be in a position of leadership and help out with problems in this area would be perfect.”

With the issue of recruitment at hand spreading the word is important, according to King, the club plans to have various posters around the school with plans for social media “It’ll be cool if we could have all types of people

leadership workshop at K-State University where they met representatives from other multicultural clubs at Shawnee Mission South, West, Northwest and North this month at the Center for Academic Achievement. At the meeting, East students gathered more information and strategies such as networking and giving voices to students in order to run the East club efficiently, according to King.

The Latinos of Tomorrow club at Shawnee Mission West has been a model for the Multicultural Club, with West’s

DIVERSITY STATS %

86.1 % 5.5

OF JOHNSON COUNTY P O P U L AT I O N I S W H I T E

feel comfortable joining because they’re not minorities.

We want them to feel welcome to help make more of an impact.”

English teacher Samantha Feinberg and social studies teacher Stephen Laird are helping make plans for the club.

New information around the school and on social media is the easiest way to keep up with the club, according to King.

She hopes the first meeting will be a way to connect with other students.

Johnson Count y diversit y statistic s according to the U nited S tate s C ensus Bureau

5.3 % 3.3

OF JOHNSON COUNTY P O P U L AT I O N I S A S I A N

%

OF JOHNSON COUNTY P O P U L AT I O N I S B L AC K

ho l ding the first me e ting on Ja n. 2 8 in the libra ry

MEET THE MEMBERS

S ome of the student s and teachers who are he lping with the de v e lopme nt of the c lu b

STUDENTS

STUDENT UNION

S tu dent s are developing a Multicultural Club and

TAYLOR KING XAVIER MANN JOHN MENDY KATIE MURPHY JAX TAYLOR

TEACHERS MS. FEINBERG MR. LAIRD

JOIN NOW

Members share reasons why student s should join the Mu ltic u ltu ra l Clu b

“ “

THOSE WHO WANT

to be in a position of leadership and kind of help out with problems in this area would be perfect.”

JOHN MENDY SENIOR

WE WOULD LIKE it to

be open to everybody, even if other students at East don’t feel comfortable joining because they’re not minorities. We want them to feel welcome to help make more of an impact.”

TAYLOR KING SENIOR

OF JOHNSON COUNTY P O P U L AT I O N I D E N T I F Y W I T H OTHER RACE

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5618 Johnson Drive Mission, KS 66202

Opinion

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 09

de s ign by is abe l balda s s aro

ar t b y zan e l ai n g

smeharbinger.net/opinion

COMIC STRIP a r t b y kai mcph a i l Ti p p i ng cu lt u re ha s g o tte n to a n o th e r l e v e l

hot take

stor y b y ave r y a n d e rs o n

B i o l o gy C l ub co -fo und er revi ew s re v iv e d c lu b a nd a dmire s it s su c c e ss so fa r THOUGH EAST HAS witnessed the downfall of

the various MCQ and LEQ styles and techniques.

countless after-school activities during COVID,

Inversely, weeks filled with labs and activities

Biology Club has recently been resurrected by

in biology classes will push the club to be more

three passionate students and is on track to be

game and career-research based.

Biology club has also extended their reach to

the best club East has to offer.

And no, for those who know that I’m one of

kids outside of biology classes at East. Striving

the founding presidents, I’m not being conceited

to make biology fun for everyone, the club will

when I say Biology Club could truly become the

always accept new members from students in all

most beloved club at East.

science classes, from zoology to chemistry.

Between the countless hours spent preparing

This inclusive nature of the club paired with

colorful games and activities and the lengthy

the student-personalized activities puts the club

consideration put into every meeting, Biology

on track to be the most popular after-school

Club is easily the most thought-out club.

activity at East, in my completely unbiased

In-club

this or that?

R ece n t I n s ta g ra m p o l l s re l a te d to s to r i e s in this is s u e’s opi n i o n s e c ti o n

activities

will

always

be

based

opinion.

around the wants and needs of the students who

So stop by Biology Club every other Wednesday

participate. When AP and IB testing are coming

after school to be a founding member of this up-

up, the club will be more focused on studying

and-coming club.

trending topics

Polls and information about current tre nd ing to p ic s in me dia

DO YOU CONSIDER CHEER A SPORT? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 3 3 2 v o t e s

YES NO

70%

30%

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN HARASSED BY A TEN-YEAR-OLD IN SEPHORA?

DID YOU ENJOY THE MOVIE SALTBURN?

saltburn

T h e n e w t h r i l l e r/c o m e d y t h a t t o o k t h e w o r l d b y s t o r m i n re s u l t o f i t s m a n y c h i l l i n g s c e n e s a n d a t t ra c t i v e a c t o r s .

* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 3 6 v o t e s

YES NO

41%

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

YES NO

48%

52%

59% DID YOU GET THE NEW VALENTINES STANLEY CUP?

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

@smeharbinger

@smeharbie

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

starbucks x target stanley

The iconic Stanley Cup that had fans lined up a t Ta r g e t h o u r s b e f o re i t o p e n e d t o re c e i v e o n e o f t h e f e w t h e y w e re s e l l i n g .

YES 5% NO

95%

10 | JANUARY 22, 2024

story b y ma g gi e ki ssi c k

THE HARBINGER

E R O M N POM-POMS A H T

WHO SAYS?

Diffe re n t a t h l e t i c o rg a n i za t i o n s a n d t h e i r s tan ce on cheerle ad i n g as a re al s p o r t

S

C heer l ead i ng sho ul d b e rec ognize d a s a le gitima te spor t

TANDING IN THE

center of

the mat inside of the stage gym, I take a deep breath and prepare myself to do my competition cheer

routine for the third time this morning.

The music starts. I flash a smile, do a toe touch and then fling myself backwards into a back handspring.

For

the

next

two

minutes

and

30

seconds, I tumble, execute stunts and use every free breath to yell “You’ve got this!” to my teammates. I use all of my strength

YES, IT’S A SPORT: THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

T h e O l y m p i c Committee c l a s s i f i e d c h eerle ading a s an o ffic i a l s p or t a s of 201 6

to lift my flier in the air, and I throw my arms up as high as I can to give her enough time to do a twisting dismount. Seconds later, I do my roundoff back handspring.

As the routine ends, my arms are so exhausted from fighting to keep my shaky stunt in the air that I’m barely able to complete my third backhand spring of the routine. I hit my final pose and breathe a sigh of relief, happy that I survived another run through of our fast-paced routine.

This is how I spend almost every single

THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

morning — before school at 6:15 a.m.

I n 2 0 1 4 t h e AMA declared c h e e r l e a d i n g a re al spor t with h o p e s o f i n c re a sing s afet y protocol s

when they crack jokes about how all I do is

NOT A SPORT: KSHSAA KS H SA A d o e s not recognize c h e e r l e a d i n g a s a re al spor t a n d d e f i n e s i t a s a “spirit ac t iv i t y ”

NCAA N CA A d o e s not recognize c h e e r l e a d i n g a s a re a l s por t

d e s ig n b y ave ry a n d e rs o n p h o to b y c l a ra p e t e rs

or during first hour — as a cheerleader.

And yet when I tell people that being a cheerleader is difficult, I feel disrespected stand on the sidelines and shake my pom poms.

When people refuse to acknowledge the athleticism that cheerleading requires, it’s as if the concussions I’ve received from stunts falling onto my head or the times I’ve thrown up after doing our full competition routine don’t even matter. I often find myself questioning why I put myself through this much physical strain when cheer is so under-recognized.

It’s time for East to recognize that cheer deserves the same respect as any other sport.

Being a cheerleader fits the definition of a sport — an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. And yet, according to the Kansas State High School Activities Association handbook, we’re classified as a “spirit group” — not a sport. If lifting girls up in the air and throwing back

handsprings

doesn’t

count

as

physical

exertion, I don’t know what does.

But there’s more to cheer than yelling

“Go big blue” on the sidelines. You don’t

Cheer originated in the mid 1800s as a

see us practicing at 6 a.m. to make sure

way to encourage athletes and crowds at

our pyramids look perfect or do our routine

games and events. In the last 40 years,

so we will have zero deductions on the

cheer has expanded beyond the sidelines

nationals mat. You don’t suffer through

and

four days in a row of cheering 12 hours a

has

become

more

competitive,

according to USA Cheer.

But this.

By

day at cheer camp in the summer just to

KSHSAA

hasn’t

acknowledged

their

definition,

we

win a plastic Spirit Stick. And you aren’t

simply

part of a sport that has caused 66% of

strive to “boost school spirit, promote

catastrophic injuries in female high school

sportsmanship and develop positive crowd

athletes over the last 25 years, according

involvement.” There is only one vague

to USA Cheer.

sentence talking about competing that

So the next time you debate whether or

states the amount of competitions we’re

not cheer is a sport, just remember that

allowed to compete in each year.

you don’t see all of the hard work that

Calling us a “spirit group” is furthering

being a cheerleader requires. East, KSHSAA

the outdated stereotype that all cheerleaders

and students need to recognize that we

do is provide spirit and observe other

are hardworking athletes who deserve the

sports, which isn’t the case. Gymnastics is

same amount of respect and recognition as

regarded as a sport according to KSHSAA,

any other sport.

so why isn’t cheer? We tumble and jump similar to gymnasts, so we deserve the same level of recognition.

Not only are we overlooked by KSHSAA, we’re overlooked by the school too. I put in so much time every single week for cheer, from 6 a.m. practices to cheering at least one game a week.

And yet the school hasn’t given the cheer team our own dedicated practice space.

I’m grateful that the wrestling team shares the stage gym with us. But if the wrestlers or the baseball team ever need the space, cheer is always pushed out and forced to find somewhere else to practice.

I’ve warmed up in hallways, basement turf

rooms

and

gym

corners.

It’s

disappointing to see the school spending money on building the Commons and state championship sports banners before considering creating a permanent place for cheer to practice.

Every single negative comment I’ve heard about cheer has come from outdated stereotypes. I’ve heard it all — we’re dumb blondes or that cheering doesn’t take any skill. I can recognize where these stereotypes come from: a majority of the student body only sees us cheering at games or school events.

s tor y by ada li l l i e wo r thi ng t o n

d e si g n by mi ch ael yi p h o to by al ex s a jn a

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 11

THE HARBINGER

SEPHORA kid s

T h e c ra ze a round the TikTok “S ephora kids” shows the misuse of social media among the new generation an d th e i r b l i nd co m p l i ance to t rend s

O

VER WINTER BREAK, I did what

saw a girl obnoxiously grabbing a product,

teenage girls are expected to do

turning to her friends and saying “Oh, I saw

Nine-year-olds don’t even have wrinkles to

with their bits of free time — I

a girl on TikTok review this. I have to try it.”

get rid of.

This 10-year-old was purchasing the $68

went shopping.

purchasing

popular

by a Drunk-Elephant-wielding, four-foot

Oil. Yes, you heard that right — a $68 facial

collecting popularity points. They purchase

tall army, I would’ve shopped online. But I

oil.

the product for the aesthetic packaging, not

To say that the Sephora kids situation has

what’s inside.

My first stop was Sephora. Did I have

gotten out of hand is an understatement.

the money to splurge on a $40 lip oil from

These kids are a clear sign of the misuse

that

of social media and the root of the problem

tendencies.

stems from blindly following trends and the

with their kids and helping them pick out

lack of parental supervision.

skincare or makeup products that aren’t

Before this shopping spree, I’d heard

of

“Sephora

kids’’

on

TikTok — kids aged 9 to 12 known for

their

rude

tendencies

and

trashing of makeup and skincare displays. Influencers have been complaining about them since December. According to various TikToks, these kids completely trash the various makeup and skincare

displays,

leaving

Summer Fridays lip balm tubes covered in sticky residue and crushed ColorPop eyeshadow everywhere.

But are

just

those

influencers

exaggerating

their

“

And it’s the lack of parental supervision is

causing

their

Parents

trend-following

should

be

coming

harsh for their skin. If the parents don’t do

I WAS STRUCK

this, the kids will just revert back to what

with fear once I spotted them — a group of unsupervised 10-year-olds stalking the trendy Glow Recipe and Drunk Elephant displays like lions on the prowl.

their favorite influencer — who is 20 years older than them with a fully developed skin barrier — recommended.

Keeping a watchful eye on your 9-yearold child will also reduce the damage that the Sephoras are seeing. Teaching your children that pumping all of the Drunk Elephant moisturizer and mixing it with all the serums isn’t respectful can eliminate the

Kids are finding an interest in skincare

and makeup earlier than most generations

stereotype of messiness that comes with the Sephora kids.

before them because of how quickly trends

Don’t get me wrong, it’s completely safe

spread on TikTok and other social media

to introduce good hygiene and skincare

platforms.

habits into kids starting around 10 years old,

In an attempt to stay “on trend,” these

but they should only start with the basics —

kids are actually causing more harm for

cleanser, moisturizer and SPF. That’s it. All

Wrong.

their

future

skin.

According

Arizona

the sumptuous toners and serums can come

I was struck with fear

dermatologist

Dr.

Brooke

in

when they reach their teenage years.

experiences

to

get

more

views... Right?

to

Jeffy

an

once I spotted them — a

interview with the Daily Beast, kids using

group

products

of

unsupervised

that

like

are

produced

wrinkles,

to

So if you think you might have a Sephora

address

kid close to you, try to implement safe

10-year-olds stalking the

issues

hyperpigmentation

skincare practices with them. Oh, and make

trendy Glow Recipe and

and dullness can damage the skin barrier.

sure they stop destroying Sephora displays

Drunk Elephant displays

This can lead to rashes, infections and even

while you’re at it, so the rest of the world

like lions on the prowl. I

breakouts.

can shop in peace.

For example, the Glossier retinols are

BREAKDOWN 7 0 % Un i v e rs i t y

are

skincare and makeup products like they’re

around?

in c h i l d re n’s m a ke u p f ro m C o l u m b i a

kids

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial

Dior? Absolutely not. But why not take a look

S tatis t i c s f ro m a 2 0 2 3 s t u d y o n tox i c i t y

These

If I’d known that my day would be ruined

didn’t, so I headed to Town Center.

COSMETIC

designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

1 of 3

OF CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER h a v e u s e d c h i l d re n’s m a ke u p a n d b o dy pro du c t s i n th e i r l i f e ti m e o f c h i l d re n s u r v e y e d re p o r te d

UNINTENTIONALLY SWALLOWING BEAUTY PRODUCT S i n th e pa s t y e a r

TOXIC CHEMICALS LIKE

LE A D A SBES TOS FORMALDEHYDE

have been found in children’s makeup product s, which are linked to cancer and neurodevelopment al issue s

12 | JANUARY 22, 2024

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y ke n n a h a rri n g t o n

Alum A driane G ray works as a receptionist alongside a

Beauty guru

SCAN ME PHOTO

doctor practicing botox at S opra S alon and Med Spa in C o r i nt h S quare to pre pa re for e sthe tic ia n sc hool

Scan this QR code to view a gallery of Gray ’s work

TOP LEFT Gray prepares for Botox treatment in the medical spa by putting on gloves.

In the spa, Gray assists a doctor and hands her any tools they need or wipe up any blood that may be present on the patient.

TOP RIGHT Gray fills a glass bottle with neurotoxin, better known as Botox. “ The neurotoxin will paralyze the muscle,” Gray said, “I normally fill 35 units, but it depends on how many wrinkles they have and where.” photo by kenna harrington

photo by kenna harrington

BOTTOM L E F T Gray answers the phone while working the front desk. She believes her job has forced her out of her comfort zone. “I used to be so shy before working at Sopra but having clients come in and being kind of forced to talk to them has really helped me,” Gray said. photo by kenna harrington

B O T T O M R I G H T Gray takes off her gloves after filling bottles of neurotoxin. Working in the medical spa has given Gray the opportunity to explore different parts of cosmetology and narrow her studies down to esthetician school. “I think it really has had an impact on me, and I just ended up being more interested in esthetician school,” Gray said. photo by kenna harrington

de s ign by sophia broc km ei er photos by clara pet ers & carolin e mar tucci

smeharbinger.net/category/feature

Feature

THIS ISSUE I N

photos

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 13

HOME

SAFARI

S tudent s who own unique hou se hold pe t s

ISABELLA MURGUIA | SENIOR

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

“

I HAVE FOUR chickens, and we’ve been getting them since I was around 10. They’re like any other pets, as long as you treat them with respect and care they can be your best friend and will love you.

BEN GILMAN | SENIOR

T O P Seniors Maddy Angell and Riley Moore smile at each other in Mr. Foley ’s sixth hour choir class. photo by clara peters

AFTER

THE

DANCE Students share their Sweetheart Dance after party themes

T O P Sophomore Charlotte Gibbs plays with the band during 6th hour. photo by caroline martucci

B O T T O M Junior Brennen Barnes watches his teacher go over the notes before playing the rhythm again in class.

The band was dressed up for picture day on Jan. 11. photo by caroline martucci

“

I GOT TWO baby Hermann tortoises named Casey and April over this winter break. I love turtles which started because I was a big Teenage Ninja Turtles fan. They are supposed to live for 75 or 90 years so they might outlive me.

BURT SH EET S

W I L LOW AUS TIN

POPPY ROOT

FR ES HM A N

S O PHO M ORE

JUNIOR

“

THE THEME IS old money/

country club, and I think it’s kind of funny to see all my friends who would never wear something like that to be in like the old money-type apparel.

“

OUR THEME IS Dynamic Duos

and I’m excited because of the costume possibilities. I don’t know why, but I feel like my grade always seems to plan super far ahead for every dance.

“

WE’RE DOING 80s Aspen [this year].

We have everything out of the way already, which is really nice. So it just kind of prevents more stress than there would be in the end, trying to figure something out.

THE HARBINGER

s to r y by g reyson i mm d e si g n by br i dge t co nnelly p h o to by l i v madden

S teroid use gains popularit y in younger generations of due to social media changing

und erstand t he r i sk s asso ci ated w i t h i t

SCAN ME WEBSITE Learn more about steroid use from the National Federation of State High School Associations

S

*name s chan ged to p ro tec t id ent it y

OPHOMORE CHARLIE

CHASING

STRENGT

weightlifting culture, yet users often don’t

couldn’t

However, use of steroids and steroid-like drugs pose

not intended for consumption, websites like chemyo.

six months researchin

watch more than three videos on Instagram

a threat to young people who may not understand

com and researchem.store only require users enter their

method of SARM use.

without seeing another fitness influencer with

the health consequences associated with them, like

“age” with no real verification. A recent study by the

for exactly how long

a perfect, toned physique, huge biceps and six-

aggression, artery damage, hormone suppression and

University of Lincoln found that e-commerce has driven

be and on Reddit for

even strokes or heart attacks.

the unauthorized sale of steroids, so it’s even easier to

monitor.

%

get them now than in the past. In an Instagram poll

“A decision I had

of 176 East community members, 11 reported using

going to have to be

steroids.

essentially the rest of

Cooper*

pack abs flexing in the mirror.

But he knew that getting a physique like that wasn’t possible for him naturally. It was obvious that a majority of these influencers were on steroids.

Despite working out for two hours a day, seven days a week for a few years, he wasn’t seeing much progress. And he definitely wasn’t anywhere near any of

77.4

SAY PED USE IN THE PROS PUT PRESSURE O N YO U N G AT H L E T E S ACCORDING TO THE NFHS

Social media also exploits body image issues that

the fitness influencers he’d see on Instagram or TikTok.

Cooper also says social media has shifted gym culture

His regimen of protein powder and supplements weren’t

further away from healthy fitness and more towards

working as he’d hoped, so he began researching Selective

rampant muscle growth and being able to lift the most

Androgen Receptor Modulators, or the steroid-like drug

weight — especially for young people.

was a decision I was w

are usually at the root of teen steroid use, according to

Cooper says he’s m

Cooper. He says that a lot of this social media pressure

effects associated wit

forces young men to take extreme measures to build the

meticulously altering

“dream physique” presented by online influencers.

increasing dosage by m

“You’re looking at people that are taking steroids

However, he ackno

and you’re like, ‘Well, how can I compete with that?’”

those who take SLDs much as him.

better known as SARMs. He was fascinated by the near-

“I’m under no impression that it was a smart, safe

Cooper said. “Or you’re looking at people bigger and

instant gains that fitness influencers promised from

decision, but with my research that I’ve done, I know

stronger than you think ‘Well, I want to be better. I

Marien-McManus

them.

the risks and I’m willing to take those risks,” Cooper

want to reach my potential and speed this process up.’”

substances, as many

A few months later, he went on a research chemical website and bought enough pills for his first cycle.

“All over the internet, pretty much everybody that’s posting [fitness] content is on steroids” Cooper said.

said. “I’m willing to take the damage.”

Senior Finan Marien-McManus said that a lot of

wake of the death of po

far

the pressure that Cooper describes originates from

in 2023. Lindner, a p

more students in recent years using steroids and for

fitness influencers claiming to be “natural” while

known on TikTok and

weightlifting rather than sports.

taking steroids — creating an unrealistic expectation

at age 30 from an ane

Athletic

trainer

Dakota

Orlando

has

seen

“So when that becomes the standard, to have a physique

“The bad part of social media and gym culture is the

for teen boys to be more muscular than they should be.

similarity between Lin

that’s only achievable by taking steroids, that’s the

‘Look at me! Look at me!’ comparing part of it, where

As someone who frequently goes to the gym, Marien-

Sergeyevich Shavershi

draw of them.”

you’ll watch these videos and think, ‘I don’t look like

McManus is often surrounded by discussions of steroids

age 22 after using ster

that’ and it starts a negative thought spiral,” Orlando

with friends and on social media despite not taking

said.

them himself.

I’D WANT SOMEONE

[considering using steroids] to definitely come and talk to a physician and at least make sure they understand what they’re getting into before they do anything like that on their own.

JAY RO BE R SO N DOCTOR & ALUM Social media has begun influencing steroid use for

The Center to Stop Digital Hate reports that TikTok

“[Steroids] have become a very hot topic with a lot of

videos with hashtags promoting SLDs were viewed by

fitness influencers [getting] exposed that they actually

U.S. users up to 587 million times in the last three

were taking performance enhancing drugs and so that’s

years, including up to 420 million views from U.S. users

one of the biggest issues with it,” Marien-McManus

aged under 24. Creators such as the Tren Twins, Sam

said. “It’s definitely prevalent on social media, and

Sulek and ShizzyLifts center much of their content

there’s been some creators who have gotten a really

around steroids, something Cooper notes leads to

large following based around this use.”

external pressure and normalizes steroid use in the lifting community.

Many

popular

Despite how they’re portrayed on social media as an instant muscle growth solution, sports medicine doctor

videos

tagged

#teenbodybuilding

and East alum Dr. Jay Roberson makes it clear that these

downplay the risks of SLDs to teens and actively

substances are harmful to the normal development of

encourage teens to start taking steroids. However very

teens and production of hormones.

few — if any — of the posts mentioned the life-altering

impr smar with my research know the risks an those risks. I’m w damage.

CHARLIE COOP STUDENT

“The most importa

Steroid and SLD use most commonly result in

away from reading thi

testosterone suppression, something Cooper monitors

Marien-McManus said

fuels body image concerns among youth, steroid use has

Despite steroids being classified as illicit substances

closely by noting any symptoms of lethargy, lack of

especially because the

shifted from athletes to bodybuilders and weightlifters.

and SARMs only being legally sold as research chemicals

libido and sleeplessness. In his preparation, he spent

go online and buy the

teens like Cooper in the past few years. As social media

negative effects.

I’M

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 15

NEWS -FEATURE

THE

RUNDOWN

G

S tatistic s on steroid use in high schools, according to

TH

get sm ar tab o utd r ugs.gov

%

OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS KNOW A FRIEND WHO USES STEROIDS

%

OF MALES SURVEYED SAID THAT STEROID USE IN SPORTS “PUTS PRESSURE ON YOUNG ATHLETES TO USE DRUGS TO GET AHEAD”

ng every possible side effect and

%

. He looked on scientific journals his cycles of taking them should

know

anecdotal effects that he should

what’s in them so it’s just really, really dangerous.”

d to make early on was that I’m

Orlando

encourages

students

to

on testosterone replacement for

reach out for help if they’re taking steroids for

f my life,” Cooper said. “And that

any reason. She has helped several students

willing to make.”

who have come to her in the past make safer

managed to limit the negative side

decisions. Especially since high school sports

th SARMs as much as possible by

don’t test for steroid usage, according to Orlando,

cycle lengths and decreasing and

having the initiative to go to her or a doctor is necessary

mere milligrams.

in staying safe.

owledges that the vast majority of

Staying informed on safe use, risks and reliable

s and steroids do not research as

supply can save lives, she says. If she knows everything that an athlete is taking, she can make sure that

such

emergency services are aware to administer proper

are unregulated, especially in the

warns

against

taking

treatment and medication in the event of a medical

opular fitness influencer Jo Lindner

emergency.

prominent fitness content creator

d Instagram as @joesthetics, died

eurysm. Marien-McManus draws a

ndner and popular YouTuber Aziz

ian — a.k.a. Zyzz — who died at

roids.

UNDER NO

ression that it was a rt, safe decision, but h that I’ve done, I nd I’m willing to take willing to take the

20

%

OF U.S. HIGH SCHOOLS D R U G T E S T T H E I R AT H L E T E S ACCORDING TO THE NFHS

into your body that could cause more harm,” Orlando said.

Both Roberson and Cooper urge anyone taking steroids or SLD to be careful. Roberson encourages current or potential users to consult a doctor and examine their lifestyle habits if they’re truly searching for performance enhancement. using

[steroids]

for

performance

enhancement, then I think they really do need to

P E R*

COMMON

VOCAB ab o ut ster i o d s

you want to make sure that you’re not putting anything

they’re

%

OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ADMIT TO USING ANABOLIC STEROIDS

Vocabulary used when talking

“Really pay attention to what you’re using, because

“If

OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE NEVER HAD A PARENT, COACH OR TEACHER TALK WITH THEM ABOUT THE DANGERS OF PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS

ask themselves ‘Have I done those other things like nutrition, hydration, sleep and training?’ because that’s going to be more important and effective than any

ant thing that anybody could take

steroid use for actual performance gains,” Roberson

is article is that it’s not worth it,”

said. “If you’re not sleeping well and eating right, it

d. “There are risks involved with it,

doesn’t matter how many steroids you do, you’re not

ey’re banned substances. So, if you

going to improve how you feel and how you work

se kinds of drugs, you don’t really

without doing those other things first.”

CYC L E

To t a ke m u l t i p l e d o s e s o f s t e ro i d s o v e r a p e r i o d o f t i m e , stop for a period, then start up again

SELECTIVE ANDROGEN R E C E P T O R M O D U L AT O R S A g e n t s t h a t s t i m u l a t e a n a b o l i s m ( i .e . , i n c re a s e m u s c l e m a s s a n d s t re n g t h ) a n d f a c i l i t a t e re c o v e r y f ro m exe rc i s e .

ANABOLIC STEROIDS

S y n t h e t i c h o r m o n e s t h a t h e l p w i t h t h e g ro w t h a n d re p a i r o f m u s c l e t i s s u e t h a t i m i t a t e t h e m a l e s ex h o r m o n e , t e s t o s t e ro n e .

ARNOLDS

A c o m m o n s t re e t n a m e f o r a n a b o l i c s t e ro i d s

16 | JANUARY 22, 2024

story b y addi e mo o re

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y h a l l i e o’b rya n p h o to s b y wi l l gri f f i t h

THIS WOLF WROTE A BOOK

Off i c e r B r i a n Wo l f w ro te t h e b o o k " T h e re ' s a Wolf in my S chool" to humanize police officers and educate children about their role in societ y

D

O YOU SLEEP at the police station?”

Wolf presented the finished book to a focus group

“Have you ever shot anybody?”

including city administrators, local elementary principals

“All police officers are bald, so why aren’t

and parents and grandparents of elementary school

you?”

the things mentioned in the book — added small details

questions for former Drug Abuse Resistance Education

and interactions between Wolf and the kids, to further

teacher and Officer Brian Wolf anytime he was presenting

humanize him.

about avoiding peer pressure and alcoholism. Some were more related to the lesson than others.

as the two worked together for five years. Lash witnessed

kids' curiosity and urging from family members to write

kids huddled around Wolf at recess and lined up to receive

about his DARE experiences — Wolf wrote the children’s

a high-five from him in the mornings — almost like he

book “There’s a Wolf in My School,” which was published

was a celebrity.

“When I’m with friends and family I think of something funny that happened with the kids,” Wolf said. “So I tell the story, and they kept saying, "Oh, you need to write a book about all the stuff that happened.”

Unlike most children's books, his 26-page picture book doesn't feature an overarching lesson about sharing

1

2 3 4

Five months of writing and self edits Got feedback from publishers Collaborated with illustrator Ali Hombs

While spending lunchtime in elementary cafeterias, the boys were typically cautious around Wolf, but the girls were happy to give him all the gossip as he opened their chip bags and wiped down tables.

“You’d always feel super safe and comfortable when you were around him,” Briarwood alum and junior

police officers instead of being scared of them.

Morgan Anderson said. “You didn’t see him as a scary police officer.”

Fourth graders from Briarwood would fight over who

While teaching DARE, Wolf would stray away from

got to be on Wolf’s home screen — changing it every week

the stereotypical PowerPoints and instead opt for stories

after girls from another elementary school changed it to a

of personal experiences as a patrol officer and showing

picture of themselves.

students handcuffs and e-cigarettes. He believes his more hands-on approach to the program resonates with the students more than just being talked at.

“He was awesome,” Sophomore Sloan Meyer said. “I looked forward to [him coming] every week.”

Through DARE and working at elementary schools,

“When you look at a screen and it’s just words on

Wolf has formed relationships with families in the Prairie

there, it doesn’t sink in,” Wolf said. “Whereas if you tell a

Village area and changed kids' views on police officers —

story and you can explain something that goes along with

even to the point where 9/10 of the calls he receives now

the lesson you’re teaching, it’s more impactful.”

as a patrol officer are from families he knows.

When Wolf finally began writing his book around two

“When someone calls a policeman there’s some kind of

years ago, it took him four or five months to complete the

crisis,” Wolf said. “If they have a familiar face that they

first step of compiling his favorite memories, from being a

know and trust, it puts everyone at ease, things deescalate

lunchroom celebrity to visiting students’ lemonade stands

and we go from there.”

in the summer. After the story was finished, Wolf teamed

Anderson and Meyer are excited to read his book,

up with local graphic designer and artist Ali Hombs to

and other local police officers in Wolf's law enforcement

bring his vision onto the page.

Facebook groups have also picked it up.

Hombs has illustrated multiple children’s books like

“The [police officers] that have seen it, bought the

“Sassie’s New Home” by children’s book author Erin

book and then got back in touch with me say ‘this is

Albright. When asked to illustrate Wolf's book, she was

fantastic,’” Wolf said. “I think DARE officers should buy

eager to spread the humanization of police officers to

this book and learn what they need to do.”

kids.

Held a “focus group” with city administration, local principals, parents and grandparents of students

gives really good insight into that.”

police force to help kids have a sense of familiarity with

mom and dad,” Wolf said.

book

“I don’t think everyone knows all of the different roles a DARE officer can play,” Lash said. “I think [the book]

or kindness. Instead, Wolf told stories that humanize the

“[Kids] couldn’t fathom that we’re people like [their]

The s te p s O f f i c e r Wo l f to o k i n o rd e r to p u b lish the

Briarwood Principal and focus group member Chris Lash believes the book reflects how students idolize Wolf,

After seven years in the program — inspired by the

in November 2023.

THE PROCESS

students. The members — who’d seen him do some of

Elementary students had a seemingly endless flow of

“One of the reasons I collaborated with [Wolf] on this book was because I felt the importance of [our] children feeling comfortable coming up to police officers when they need help or guidance,” Hombs said.

After brainstorming character design and re-draws,

SCAN ME LINK Scan this code to buy Officer Brian Wolf's book

s tor y b y li bby marsh

MGPASSION

EVA

THEN-FOURTH-GRADER Eva

on

students

—

didn’t want to play on the playground

of

color

a

during recess. All she wanted to do was

different

walk and talk with her class’s student

and desk arrangements. For the

teacher, asking questions about her day-

second part of the project, the artifacts

to-day life.

— where students find creative ways to

in

types

the

use

classroom, of

lighting

In elementary school, every time there

present the information they researched

was a classroom job available, Lowry

— Lowry plans to create a vision board

volunteered, especially for the role of

showing different classroom setups and

teacher’s assistant.

design the floor plan of a classroom she

“I just always wanted to be with [my teachers], and I looked up to them so

would set up.

While some teachers complain about the difficulties of setting up a classroom,

much,” Lowry said.

Now-sophomore Lowry hopes to teach

Lowry feels prepared to hang up LED

either upper elementary school or high

lights and minimalist decor when the time

school students. She decided to focus her

comes.

Multigenre Project — a research project

“Throughout my high school classes

every sophomore completes on a topic

I’ve been looking at all of [the classrooms]

they are passionate about — on education:

and seeing that our school isn’t great

how

classroom

setup

about our [wall color] or our school isn’t great about providing seating options for

affects students. exploring,

kids,” Lowry said. “So being able to see

if [teaching is] something I want, so

that and then looking at other [teacher’s]

I’m in the teachers [education] class

classrooms

and I go to elementary schools every

understand why this looks

Wednesday and Friday and work with

like this or why they did

“This

year

I’ve

been

kids,” Lowry said.

Lowry’s essay centered around three

and

being

Thre e sophomore s sha re the ir English mu ltigenre project s and their connections to the topic they ’re re sea rching

GABRIELLE

Lowry

specifically

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 17

THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by clara burd i ck

able

to

this in their classroom is super cool.”

main classroom aspects and their impact

PARTS OF AN MGP B elow a re ke y pa r t s th a t m ake u p a n M G P a nd a d e scr i p t i o n o f each

RESEARCH

SOPHOMORE GABRIELLE HIGGINS

parents feel when giving

gained

the

their child up for adoption

adoption process when her family adopted

can be equivalent to the

her brother, and now-freshman Quinn

pain felt by a mother grieving

from South Korea when he was 10 months

the death of her child. She also

old and she was almost 2.

discovered that an adopted child’s brain

first-hand

experience

in

So, Gabrielle chose to research adoption

“When you’re ripped away from your

how international adoptions affect the

parents when you’re really young, most

child being adopted, the birth mother and

people are like, ‘Oh it can’t affect you,

the adoptive family.

you don’t remember it,’ but your brain

Gabrielle’s mom, Stacy Higgins, has seen the impacts of adoption on both her

to illustrate the contrast between the good

we’re gonna get him and he’s gonna be

and bad of international adoptions for her

so young and it won’t really impact our

artifacts.

family much because we will be a cohesive

“I was going to do maybe a painting

family from the get go,’” Stacy said. “But

[to] represent that [adoption] can be a

the more research that’s been done, the

blessing, but also kind of a curse,”

more it says that even though they may be

Gabrielle said. “It could be a really

a baby, when you get them it still has an

great opportunity or it could be a

impact on relationships and how families

terrible situation.” get

develop.”

Gabrielle found that the grief birth

to th e re a d e r, t h e t h re e a r t i f a c t s , a d e s c r i p tion of e ach and more t ying e a c h piec e o f wo r k to get h er.

in

the

of the issue. His essay discusses

diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 2.

the lengths people go to afford

He remembers hearing a story from an

insulin, the cost of insulin and

attendee at a Juvenile Diabetes Research

what can be done to reduce

Foundation

those costs.

fundraiser

gala

about

someone they knew who had to ration

“I also talk about some of the measures

their insulin because of the high cost of

that people can take to circumnavigate

pharmaceuticals in the United States.

the high costs,” Garrett said. “So maybe

After some research, he found

there’s some pharmaceutical programs

effects of the high price of insulin.

The p ro j e c t i s p u t to ge t h e r a t t h e e n d o f t h ird quar ter with a letter

involved

SOPHOMORE GARRETT BROWN was

w rite a n e s s a y.

OVERALL

more

topic.”

GARRETT

more

in th e f o rm o f th re e a r t i f a c t s .

is a lot higher,” Gabrielle said.

“In my head I was like, ‘Oh Quinn,

g a the r a n d o rg a n i ze t h e i r re s e a rc h . T h e n , t hey use their re se arch to

S tude n t s t h e n p re s e n t t h e i n f o r m a t i o n f ro m their e ss ay and re se arch

develops differently so your fight or flight Gabrielle plans on creating an art piece

son Quinn and her family.

The s t u d e n t s i n t h e c l a s s e s u s e a p ro g ra m c alled NoodleTools to

ARTIFACTS

develops differently.

for her MGP. In her essay, she focused on

instances

“[Insulin

is]

of

the

harmful

expensive

and

with people’s insurance that they can enlist to cut back costs.”

From

this

project,

Garrett

hopes

unfortunately, there are a lot of

to spread awareness for this issue —

people out there who have to make

especially through presenting his research

decisions as to whether they’re gonna pay

to the class.

for insulin or pay for food or other basic needs,” Garrett’s mom, Jessica Brown said.

Garrett chose to do his MGP on the

“If

anything,

[this

project

has]

hardened my view that something needs to be done about it, and what’s being done

right

now

isn’t

enough,”

effects of the high cost of pharmaceuticals

Garrett said. “I’d love to see

for people with diabetes to raise awareness

politicians get more involved in the topic.”

18 | JANUARY 22, 2024

MORE

P

CULTURE

story b y kai mc ph ai l

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y s oph ia brockmeier p h o to s c o u r te s y o f m a ri a m sufi

Ju nio r Ma ria m S u f i atte n d s UWC I n te r n a t i o nal and exp er i ence s new cul t ure s EERING OUT THE car window

both dumpster-diving in Trader Joe’s and

can travel in the state of New Mexico and

grand canyon, we both had an absolutely

towards a sea of endless tree-

teaching experiences in Africa.”

Arizona. A recent trip Mariam went on was

lovely time,” said Xu.

UWC

an

to visit local native reservations and see

At UWC students also have Wednesdays

junior Mariam Sufi looked out at

immersive international environment for

what they can do to learn about natives

off to go and work out in the community,

what she would call home for the next two

students with mandatory meetings every-

and their culture. UWC’s program strives

Mariam spends her day at a local farm

years — the United World Colleges United

so-often during the school year, where

to make leaders for their generation, and

getting to learn about agriculture and build

States campus in New Mexico.

they discuss global issues and how one

these opportunities can help students gain

relationships with farmers native to the

The campus standing atop a mountain

can improve the world, anything from

a perspective of the world around them.

area. The chance to escape for a day makes

looked as if it came out of a movie. Its red

waste management to global politics. With

brick walls and silver turrets made Mariam

around 200 teens on campus, the program

do a double-take to make sure what she was

pulls students from over 90 countries for

seeing was real. After meeting a student

the New Mexico campus.

covered mountains this August,

specializes

in

creating

“

MY TEACHERS

are all from different backgrounds, and if not, have taught

who applied to go to the UWC campus in

Although she felt a connection to the

Italy and heard of her amazing experience,

campus almost immediately, but the price

she began researching the school in New

of tuition was holding her back. Once she

abroad.

Mexico

MARI AM SUFI

expressed

visited the campus, she applied to every

that she longed for something bigger to

aid program possible. Mariam says that she

happen in her life than the limits of Kansas,

received about $36,000 in merit-based aid.

so this international program would be

With that in mind, there was no hesitation

perfect.

in

immediately.

Mariam

productivity

saying

having

in

more

independence while focusing on academics has

paid

off.

successful

in

She’s

always

school,

been

taking

very

Honors

Precalculus freshman year. Her brother, Hassan Sufi, shows admiration for the strides that she took in setting her future up for the best it can be.

“I’m super glad that she found a place

harvesting corn with her friends to visiting

where she feels like she fits in great and will

in New Mexico and says the decision to

Mariam’s mom Tammy Sufi is so excited

native markets. This specific experience

help her reach her goals and aspirations,”

apply was the best choice she ever made.

about the opportunity for her, and will

entailed studying for around a week in the

said Hassan.

The

continue to show her support miles away.

reservation learning about sustainability

UWC has changed Mariam’s life and has

“I’m really proud of her for going after

and what Gen Z can do as a generation to

given her opportunities she never imagined were possible.

and

memories

made

in the UWC building have been extremely

become

a

application

and

work,

UWC.

officially

final

well-being

completing

from campus are on these trips, from

Mariam is now a semester into her stay

her

Some of Mariam’s favorite memories

Mariam credits the school for improving her

to

opportunities

submitting

JUNIOR

Mariam’s stress melt away.

student

at

something she was interested in,” Tammy

help natives and their lifestyle. Mariam had

“There’s exposure to language, food and

said. “Everything was her idea. She took

so much fun and learned a lot, another one

“There’s a different part of the world

what my friends’ [diverse] lives back home

the initiative to apply to the school and

of her best friends that she met from UWC,

sitting in a room to my left and right,”

look like,” Mariam said. “My teachers are

secure a scholarship.”

Alice Xu went on a similar trip in the Grand

Mariam said.

moving and will never leave her memory.

all from different backgrounds, and if not,

One opportunity the school offers is

have taught abroad. I’ve heard stories of

“southwest studies” trips — where students

HOPI RESERVATION

GRAND CANYON

ARIZONA

Canyon.

“Both trips got to spend time in the

UWC-USA CAMPUS SANTA FE

NEW MEXICO “AT THE RESERVATION THEY HAVE A REALLY BIG ISSUE WITH TRASH CLEANUP. SO WE WENT THERE AND WE HELPED THEM DIG THE TRASH OUT OF THEIR PLATEAUS. I LIKED LEARNING ABOUT HOW ENVIRONMENTALLY TECHNOLOGY CHANGES HAVE LED TO GREATER WASTE.”

“There’s a different part of the world sitting in a room to my left and right,” Sufi

“I WENT TO SANTA FE WITH A BUNCH OF MY FRIENDS. WE ALL WENT TO OLIVE GARDEN AND THE WAITRESS THERE WAS LIKE, ‘OH MY GOSH, MY DAUGHTER WANTS TO GO TO UWC.’ IT WAS JUST REALLY NICE TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE OUTSIDE OF OUR SCHOOL.”

“AT THE GRAND CANYON WE DID SOME SMALLER HIKES AND IT WAS JUST REALLY BEAUTIFUL TO SEE THE COLORS AND LEARN ABOUT THE FORMATION [OF THE CANYON]. WE HAD TO GET UP AT 4:30 A.M. AND GO OVER TO THIS SPECIFIC VIEWING SPOT ON THE RIM TO WATCH THE SUNRISE.”

copy by david al l egri

p h o to by pai ge be an

S e n i o r a n d f re e l a n ce p h o to g ra p h er E l l e S i e g e l s h a re s h e r t h o u g h t s a b o ut

“ “ “ “

ELLE SIEGEL THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by greyson imm

i nd e p e nde n t ly le a r n in g p h o to g ra phy

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 19

WHEN DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?

When I was 9, I went to summer camp in northern Minnesota. There wasn’t much to shoot except the wildlife. I started with still images of flowers and other photos in nature, but it was a little too calm for me — I like the action.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT TO SHOOT?

I try to shoot concerts in particular, and I like to incorporate the audience into it.

Some of my favorite photos that I’ve taken are when the lead singer of a band is interacting. Everyone is just having a fun time and it’s awesome.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY?

I love being able to experience things and capture a really special moment from an event or just being able to give people memories from events.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEBODY STARTING? It’s a little intimidating to get out there and do it, but there are many opportunities in high school. East games and live music are great starters. Also, get out there and don’t be afraid to take advice from other people.

FREEZE FRAME

S ome of Elle’s favorite photos from past event s on her Instagram, @photobyelle siegel

SCAN ME INSTAGRAM

KC Royals practice

QUITE FRANKLY concert

East Football game

Check out Elle’s photography Instagram by scanning the link or seaching @photobyellesiegel on Instagram

A & E...

20 | JANUARY 22, 2024

de s ig n by l u c y st e ph e n s pho to s co ur te s y o f imdb.com, MTC campus, clara pet ers an d ame l i e wo n g

smeharbinger.net/category/a&e

GRAMMYPREDICTIONS

RECENT RELEASES MOVIE PREMIERE

30

'PSWI

SCAN ME LIST

East students share their predictions for the Grammys on Feb 4.

Scan to view the full nominees list for the 2024 Grammys

$UJ\OOH

BES T NEW ARTI S T

SJ

ARGYLLE

“ “

Release Date:

artist] of 2023 has to be Ice Spice.

She has amazing verses across many of her songs and I really enjoyed her new song “Boys A Liar pt. 2”

Feb. 2

Genre:

Action, Thriller

BURT S HEET S FRESHMAN

ICE S P ICE

Running Time: 2 hrs 19 mins

RE CORD OF THE YEAR

Starring:

Bryce Dallas Howard, Dua Lipa and Henry Cavill KWWSV ZZZ LPGE FRP WLWOH WW PHGLDYLHZHU UP

[THE BEST NEW

ANTI HERO WAS

[Taylor Swift’s] number one song on Midnights so I think it could definitely win [record of the year].

BURT S HEET S FRESHMAN

ANTI H ERO BY TAY LOR S WIFT

SEASON 28 PREMIERE 30

7KH %DFKHORU

SJ

'PSWI

ARE YOU GOING TO WATCH THE GRAMMYS?

THE BACHELOR

*Instagram poll of 193 votes

Release Date:

YES

Where to Watch:

NO

Jan. 22

Hulu or ABC Network

34% 66%

NEW OPENINGS

Starring:

Joey Graziadei

Take a look at some new additions to the KC area

UNUSUAL HOLIDAYS Mark your calenders for these unusual holidays coming up

JAN 23 NATIONAL PIE DAY NATIONAL PUZZLE DAY JAN 29 JAN 30

NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY

GROUNDHOG DAY

FEB 02

KC Wheel

New Ferris wheel attraction located in downtown KC 2485 Jefferson St, Kansas City, MO

Fowling Warehouse

Mission Hills

New event space located in Watts Mill Plaza 1020 W 103rd St, Kansas City, MO

Billie’s Grocery

New restaurant located in Ranchmart Shopping Center 3614 W 95th St, Leawood, KS

Prairie Village

State Line Rd.

KWWSV ZZZ LPGE FRP WLWOH WW PHGLDYLHZHU UP "UHIB WWBRYBL

Leawood

p h o to s by liv madden & m o l l y scot t s tor y by l ucy wolf

d e si g n by l yl a week s ar t by h al l i e obryan

F et C h

superlatives

A ran k i n g o f t h e n e w a c to rs exe c u t i o n in del i v e r i n g i c o n i c l i n e s f ro m t h e 2 0 0 4

1. WE WEAR PINK. ON WEDNESDAYS,

IN MY OPINION,

this is the most iconic Mean Girls quote and my favorite for sure.

2. GO HERE

SHE DOESN’T EVEN

ANOTHER LINE THAT,

I love and it’s funny how Damian says it then hides in the movie.

3. GROOL

IN MY OPINION,

and more iconic lines from the movie, so this one isn’t my favorite

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 21

THE HARBINGER

MEAN GIRLS The new Mean Girls Musical movie is a downgrade of t he o rgi ni al 2004 o ne

T

...THE MUSICAL?

HE ORIGINAL 2004, “Mean Girls” movie was

— something I didn’t pay to see. Regina was shown multiple

iconic, from the burn book to the color pink. So my

times using ELF, a popular drugstore makeup brand, while more

expectations were high for the remake — I was ready

high-end brands like Charlotte Tilbury or Dior would have fit

to be blown out of my seat by the same pink sequins

her character better. All characters also used the new foldable

and sassy one-liners the original movie was known for.

Samsung Galaxy phones when it would’ve been more realistic for

But the new movie did not top the original. Released on Jan. 12,

at least a few to have iPhones.

“Mean Girls” was entertaining — but not entertaining enough to

They redeemed themselves by using current social media

overshadow the abundance of cringe-worthy moments where I

platforms like TikTok and Instagram and including influencers

wished everyone would stop singing.

Chris Olsen and the Merrell twins throughout the movie made it

Screenwriter Tina Fey, who plays the math teacher Ms.

feel more relatable.

Norbury in both movies, shocked everyone by turning this film

Casting in this movie was mostly spot on. Rapp and co-star

into a musical without advertising the movie as a musical. The

Bebe Wood — Gretchen Wieners — couldn’t have been picked

trailer of the movie had zero hints that the movie would be jam-

more perfectly to play their sassy roles, which they executed

packed with flash-mobs and musical numbers, aside from the

almost as well as the original actors, Rachel McAdams and Lacey

single music note in the title, which wasn’t a big enough hint for

Chabert. And I even found myself enjoying some of the songs in

me to realize it was a musical.

the movie. Rapp’s voice in “Meet the Plastics” and “World Burn”

Scene one was set in Kenya, Africa — where the main character, Cady Heron, lived before moving to North Shore High in Evanston, Illinois — included singing. The music added a new twist, making the widely-known movie less predictable with unexpected outbursts of singing. I enjoyed the flash mobs and characters randomly breaking out into song, but

occasionally found myself

sinking into my seat when Cady sang about her love for math and meeting a boy she liked.

The

movie

was

also

more

modern

and

reflected current trends — I often found myself taking note of trends or brands I saw.

Characters like Regina George and Karen Smith wear popular corset tops that mimic the

styles

of

Urban

Outfitters

or

Garage. The style felt more up-todate with recent clothing trends —

was mesmerizing.

“

THE AMOUNT OF

obvious product placement in the movie made it feel like a twohour ad campaign — something I didn’t pay to see.

But actresses Angourie Rice and Avantika Vandanapu —

Cady and Karen — didn’t live up to Lindsey Lohan and Amanda Seyfried’s acting in the original. The remake actresses were too over the top, it felt like they were trying too hard to be better than the original characters.

despite the obvious fact that most people

While many well-known quotes and scenes like “On Wednesdays

wouldn’t choose to wear those clothes to

we wear pink” and “You can’t sit with us” scenes were included

school in real life.

in the movie, a few iconic lines and moments were left out or

I didn’t like how some of these more

changed.

modern outfits felt inauthentic to the

The famous three-way call scene was missing from the new

characters I fell in love with in the original

Mean Girls when Karen lies to Regina and says, “I can’t go out

movie. Even Regina — played by actress

*cough cough* I’m sick.” Along with the revised Jingle Bell

Reneé Rapp — wore black multiple

Rock dance the Plastics performed at the talent show, which had

times throughout the movie. The

different choreography and left out the famous lines “I’m always

original Regina would never wear

on your left” and “Right now you’re getting on my last nerve,

black, considering the Plastics’

switch,” between Gretchen and Regina.

most iconic color is pink.

The amount of obvious product placement in the movie made it feel like a two-hour ad campaign

Still, if you’re craving “Mean Girls” nostalgia and don’t cringe at songs about math and meeting a cute boy, then this movie is for you.

h i s m m ... Su M

22 | JANUARY 22, 2024

story b y e mme rso n wi n frey

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y b e l l a b ro ce p h o to s b y m o l l y mi l l e r

K u ra R e v o l v i n g S u s h i B a r recently opened on the P laza and is

I

k n o w n f o r s e r v i n g s u s h i o n a revolver ’VE BEEN TO Kura Sushi — a new revolving

There’s one major downfall to this chain:

conveyor belt sushi restaurant on the Plaza

excessive wait times and no reservations. You have

However, when you finally get seated, the mouth

As both a shrimp and avocado lover, I expected to

— not once, not twice, but three times now.

to put your name on a waitlist either through the

watering array of food and intimate atmosphere

adore it but instead I couldn’t even force a third

Yet somehow, I’ve only managed to get in

Kura app or at the restaurant and simply hope to

from the serverless concept and separated booths

bite down my throat. It had a shrimp mayo and

get a table.

allows you to spend true quality time with your

was topped with avocado and yuzu cream sauce.

group, almost make up for the dreadful time spent

But there wasn’t any shrimp flavor in a single bite

waiting.

of the roll, which ended up tasting like a ball of

two of those three times.

a table and can easily drive away business.

the Shrimp Avocado Roll was just an utter letdown.

Kura Sushi opened on Dec. 22 on the corner of

On my first trip I put my name in at 5 p.m. on

Wyandotte and W 47th St. in the Plaza. The chain

a Friday hoping to beat the dinner rush. Yet, after

originated in Sakai City, Japan in 1977 and has

waiting three hours in the bitter cold and even

It’s similar to a buffet style with you grabbing

awkwardly standing in Made in KC for warmth,

plates off the conveyor belt for $3.20 each. You put

my group found out there were over 100 people in

empty plates in a slot on the table where they’re

After that disappointment, the Crab Crispy Rice

front of us, forcing us to eat elsewhere.

counted by a machine. You can pay for all your

was able to bring Kura’s reputation back up. The

plates at the end of your meal — either contactless

rice was a light golden brown and had an ASMR-

through the screen at your table or with a server.

worthy crunch while the crab mayo on top gave it

grown to over 550 locations globally, with 64 in the United States.

They’re known for their conveyor belt style serving — a unique twist on your average sushi place. The restaurant is server-less with staff only manning the desk or helping confused customers with how to work the conveyor belt. It’s an introvert’s dream if you ask me.

The conveyor belt carries all sorts of sushi from traditional California Rolls to more unfamiliar things like Conch Nigiri. And if you don’t see something that piques your interest, you can order Ramen or Udon on a screen above you which gets delivered on a seperate belt. The diversity of food options creates the perfect restaurant for both adventurous and picky eaters.

I picked up a few rolls and sides off the

“

On my second trip I joined the waitlist during

THERE IS ONE

downfall to this chain though: excessive wait times and no reservations. You have to put your name on a waitlist either through the app or at the restaurants and simply hope to get a table.

avocado and mayo. This should be an automatic skip for any customer.

I started with the Golden Crunchy Roll which

a nice layer of softness to balance out the crunch

was filled with avocado and shrimp mayo and

below. There weren’t any stand out flavors besides

was topped with spicy mayo, sweet soy sauce and

crab, yet it had me waiting for it to come around

panko. It came with four pieces, the standard for

on the belt again.

almost every roll. It had a quintessential mix of

I ended my meal with the edamame which was

textures in the roll with the creaminess of the

just cold edamame with some sea salt. While I have

avocado and crispiness of the panko on top. No

no complaints about the dish, it’s not something

specific flavor stood out but you can easily taste

I’d spend my money on again.

every aspect of the roll — something many sushis lack. This roll is easily the best on the belt.

Kura

Sushi

is

a

fun,

once-in-a-while

experience for a night out to enjoy good food but

After the bursting flavor of the Golden Crunchy

isn’t a reliable choice or new go-to — especially

Roll, the California Roll seemed dull. It’s your

when hungry — due to the unreasonable wait

conveyor belt including a Golden Crunchy Roll, a

the afternoon and was able to get a table at 7. On

classic California Roll filled with real crab mayo

times and outdated waitlist system that is in dire

California roll, a Shrimp Avocado Roll, Crab Crispy

my latest trip I arrived at 11:00 a.m. in a desperate

and avocado. It’s better than the average roll that

need of an update.

Rice and edamame.

attempt to avoid wait times and was able to get a

you pick up at a grocery store but didn’t stand out

table in five minutes. This waitlist-style seating

compared to others.

Sounds like the perfect place for a hassle-free dinner right? Wrong.

caused me to feel overly anxious whilst waiting for

UNDER THE LID Shrimp Avocado Roll

While the California Roll may have been lacking,

E m m erso n’s rat i ng o f t he sushi ro l l s she t r i ed

Golden Cruncy Roll

California Roll SCAN ME MENU View Kura Revolving Sushi Bar’s menu online

FRESH JUICES & SMOOTHIES

JUICES AND SMOOTHIES

10% OFF WITH YOUR STUDENT ID

SCAN FOR MENU 4984 Roe Blvd, Roleand Park, KS 66205

Sports

...

d

24 | JANUARY 22, 2024

smeharbinger.net/category/sports

25

3:30 p.m.

JANUARY

26

7 p.m.

JANUARY

Va r s i t y B a s k e t b a l l @ S M E

Va r s i t y S w i m @ S M A q u a t i c C e n t e r

d e s ig n b y l i b by ma rs h

a y le f t

2

east vs. rock game

countdown

Ma r k y o ur calendars for the se

30

JANUARY

3 p.m.

Va r s i t y B a s k e t b a l l @ G E H S

UPCOMING EVENTS

2

FEBRUARY

Sweetheart Games @ SME

nationals prep A cheer captain’s t h o u g h t s o n t h e te a m c o m p e t i n g a t Na t i o n a l s f or t he first t ime

E M M A AU B U C H O N VA R S I T Y C H E E R C O -C A P TA I N

“

WE’VE BEEN DOING 6:15 a.m. practices for the past two weeks

in the mornings. We’ve just been doing early morning practices and stuff to help prepare. Even on our late start days, we’re here at 6:15. We want to do well, and we’re going to be in Dallas soon.

competition recap A r u ndow n of the Miss K a nsa s da nce co mp e titio n

TOP LEFT Senior Blake Hanson dives toward the court as he tries to keep possession of the ball during the second quarter of the game. photo by mason sajna

LEAVING FROM East at 6:45 a.m., the varsity

of the competition where the judge’s favorite

and JV dance teams made their way to Olathe

dances are asked to perform their piece. The

South for the Miss Kansas dance competition.

varsity jazz dance and JV gameday dance were

Each team performed three of their dances:

both performed in the showcase. Both teams

T O P R I G H T Junior Carter Brock reaches for the ball while pressing the SM Northwest Cougars in the fourth quarter.

gameday, jazz and hip hop. Recent Kansas state

received a “Best in Show Award” award, one

photo by caroline hoffman

rules say that judges are not supposed to rank

of the highest scoring awards possible in the

teams by place so a showcase is held at the end

contest and a Division I ranking.

HAVE THE SNOW DAYS AND WEATHER AFFECTED YOUR ABILITY TO PRACTICE YOUR SPORT? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 8 4 v o t e s

YES NO

RIGHT Junior Will Beck jumps to make a dunk during the third quarter of the game as the crowd watches. Beck’s dunk was successful, upping the score to 41-28 in favor of the Cougars. photo by mason sajna

61% 39%

5:30 & 7 p.m.

go to page 25 to read more about junior Will Beck’s basketball journey

s tor y by christi an goo l ey

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 25

THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by ree se dun h am p h o to by w i l l g r i ffi th

A

A

VARSITY JUMP

QUICK TURNOVER and a timeout

better and better. Toward the end of the season,

during the Jan. 5 varsity game against

he was close to averaging a double-double. He

Shawnee Mission North set junior Will

just worked hard, you could see the confidence

Beck up for a play he’d only run once at

start to build.”

team to being a varsit y star ter in le ss than a ye a r a fte r off se a son pra c tic e

The sophomore team went 19-1 with their

practice.

Standing on the right side of the court, Will catches and quickly passes the basketball. He takes

only loss coming in the final game of the season, so Will was confident going into the offseason.

off, jumping off one foot, catches the basketball

Realizing that his goal of making JV/Varsity

mid-air and throws it into the hoop. Parents,

was within reach, Beck dedicated himself to

not just the student section, were on their feet

basketball. He started putting the hours of work

screaming as the Pep Execs started a “Will Beck”

alone, taking hundreds of shots at Sylvester

chant.

Powell Jr. Community Center daily and two hour

to

Junior Will Beck moved up from sophomore

practice,

Beck

surged

practices with a private coach. All work that

varsity-scorer

after

playing

would finally pay off in the few tournaments East

Thanks

to

offseason

become

a

top

sophomore team last year.

“I could not have been more excited with how

is involved in the summers.

“Just playing a lot, working on shooting

I played and that our team won,” Will said. “I felt

details

as if my hard work was paying off and that I can

“Sometimes having to miss going to the lake or

continue to play at a high level.”

hanging out with my friends to go practice was

“

IF YOU DON’T

know Will very well, he’s very quiet and humble,” Shannon said. “I think he believed in himself the last few years but never showed it, so to see him have success on the court and believe in himself is what I’m most proud of.

SHAN N O N BE C K WILL’S M O M

and

dribbling

details,”

Beck

said.

hard, but to me, it was worth it.”

Going

into

the

annual

summer

Kamo

basketball tournament through East, Will was just another guy on the team hoping to just get playing time. The outcome was shocking for most and foreshadowed the impact he’d make for the Varsity team.

“We saw a bunch of him this summer, we saw him really blossom into a great player,” Varsity Head Coach Shawn Hair said. “He played very well [in the Kamo tournament this summer] and that was a huge part of his success this season.”

Continuing to work hard and spend time in the gym practicing throughout the rest of the

He was MVP of the North game, scoring a career-

offseason, Will’s confidence continued to grow up

high of 27 points. Watching her son celebrate with

to the team’s tryouts in November. After a week

teammates after each basket, his mom Shannon

of brutal full court sprints and hours of competition

Beck couldn’t have been prouder of her son.

with scrimmages and drills, Will accomplished his

“If you don’t know Will very well, he’s very quiet

goal of seeing his name on the JV/Varsity roster.

and humble,” Shannon said. “I think he believed in

“It’s a very rare instance to go from a starter

himself the last few years but never showed it, so

on the sophomore team to a starter on the varsity

to see him have success on the court and believe in

team, big props to Will Beck for that,” Hair said.

himself is what I’m most proud of.”

Will, now the second-leading scorer during

Will hasn’t always had it easy playing basketball.

the team’s 7-1 start to the season, has become

He made the B team his freshman year and unlike

comfortable finding his role on the team and

most of his teammates — some of which he’d

creating bonds spending hours with his teammates

played with for years — Will wasn’t moved up to

like senior Teddy Saylor.

JV last year due to a lack of confidence in his game.

“He worked really hard, he cares a lot about

Still, he worked to improve his shooting, dribbling

basketball and his hard work paid off,” Teddy

and his finish around the rim despite not making

said. “Someone who truly loves the game is super

the more advanced team.

competitive and a great teammate.”

“At the start of sophomore year, he was a little bit timid or didn’t have a whole lot of selfconfidence,” Sophomore Head Coach Kevin Wiesner said. “Throughout the season, he just got better and

T O P Junior Will Beck drives into the lane past a SM North defender, after pump faking a shot. Beck later makes the layup in the first half.

SEASON STATS Beck ’s stat i st ic s fro m this bas ketball s eas o n s o far

1.2

12

assists per game on average

points per game on average

61.3%

5.6

field goal percentage

rebounds per game on average

26 | JANUARY 22, 2024

THE HARBINGER

story b y con n or vogel

d e s ig n b y a a nya b a n s a l p h o to s b y ri l ey s cot t im a ge c o u r te s y o f a d o b e

“FRIENDLY” T

COMPETITION

Tw o re c re a t i o n a l b a s ket b al l team s o f seni o r b o y s take t hei r r i val r y to t he next level using social media

HE FIRST THING senior The first thing senior Syl Brundige did after signing himself and seven of his friends up for a recreational basketball league was creating an Instagram account for their team — DaMillers.

A few weeks before the season started on Jan. 8, they were challenged by their friends and fellow seniors Mason Hedrick and Alex Tiedt to go up against the Fireballz, another team in their rec league to a friendly scrimmage at their rec center.

Since then, the “friendly” rivalry between the senior boys who have known each other since elementary school has only intensified. Fueled through not-so-serious social media posts in crowning the least valuable player of each game and trash talking on and off the court, the teams use their rivalries as motivation to win these games.

“You have fun in the games, but you take more joy from some of these rivalries,” Hedrick said. “[Trolling] is way more fun. We take these people’s Instagram posts and hold it over their heads.”

DaMillers, who had only played a few pick-up games at the local rec center, Sylvester Powell community center, to prepare for their season, joined the league simply to have fun.

The team never intended to put in a ton of practice time, planning to simply enjoy the season with their

friends.

During practices or other games, the teams don’t even take the game as seriously, like senior and team namesake Chase Miller according to teammate senior Charlie Muehlberger.

“A lot of the time during scrimmages [Chase] will throw up half-court shots or just dribble for a while when we’re just trying to play,” Muehlberger said.

But DaMillers get more serious when they face off against their rivals, the Fireballz, who have been dissing the team through posts on their Instagram story or comments on their posts.

“It’s funny to see the reactions on what we post [on Instagram], especially on wins if you post something dogging the team we played,” Hedrick said. “It’s fun to see them at school after so we can brag about it.”

The Fireballz, who claim to be one of the first recreational teams from East to use social media to promote themselves after starting the team last year, have fun with rivalries like this. The account, run by Tiedt and Hedrick, takes their Instagram one step further than most, not just using the account to elevate their team, but to instigate discord with other teams.

When the two teams faced off in the preseason, the Fireballz shared the entire game on their Instagram story to boast after their victory. But

to be fair, according to Brundige, the posts only showed one side of the story.

“I wasn’t there and most of our players also weren’t there,” Brundige said. “People will say they scored more points than us, but we would’ve won. It shouldn’t have counted in the first place.”

For the Fireballz this was just part of the fun, with these rivalries making the season more exciting.

However, senior Hudson O’Neill doesn’t take direct action when controlling the posts on their team account, as he can see the effect on and off the court. “[Instagram] is kind of our main thing,” O’Neill said. “We like messing with other teams, posting funny stuff and making a joke out of it to help build rivalries.”

Brundige, who runs the account for DaMillers, tries to make the posts after their games slightly more positive. These posts include edited photos of his friends’ faces plastered over Jordan dunking or Tony Snell’s infamous stat line. He also shows clips of the team’s best plays — currently consisting of Brundige’s rare three-pointer in their previous game.

After originally only starting the team for fun, DaMillers have been training at the rec center to beat the Fireballz, even winning their first game of the year on Jan. 7 at Indian Hills Middle School. But Muehlberger

watched from the bench as his teammates won their first official basketball game of the season. He had to ride the bench after getting into foul trouble for his Dennis Rodmanesque “defense” earlier in the game.

“I’m a little guy, so I feel like I can push a little more than I probably should,” Muehlberger said. “But yeah, I get away with more than most.”

Muehlberger says his team has decided to “take the high road” and not retaliate online despite what they’ve seen from their rival account. The DaMillers plan to best the Fireballz in person Feb. 25 during their final showdown of the season.

“They’ll talk their talk, but really when it comes down to it, we’ll see who’s able to pull up,” Muehlberger said. “They’re an unprofessional team of unprofessional players.”

The Fireballz are also looking forward to the big game and finally setting the record straight.

“We’re not nervous to beat them, we’ll do it again,” Hedrick said.

“That scrimmage showed us all we needed to know. We don’t really see any scary people on their team.”

Both teams encourage fans to come cheer them on, regardless of the outcome.

“It’ll be a big game and we’re hoping to get a large crowd,” Brundige said. “The first 10 are getting free giveaways, it’s going to be a 200 plus spectacular.”

d e sig n b y riley s cot t

T H E H A RB I NGER

STAGE

BOUND

JANUARY 22, 2024 | 27

The Lanc e r D a n c e rs p a r t i c i p a te d i n t h e “Miss K an s a s” c o m p e t i t i o n o n J a n . 1 3 to p rep are f or N DA Na ti on a l s on Ma rc h 8 -1 0 T O P L E F T Senior captain Laynie Manning goes up to accept the Best of Show award. “ We got a lot out of this competition,” Manning said. “Being able to perform all of our dances in front of judges was a great first trial run for nationals.

It’s really important to be able to see what worked and what didn’t to figure out what needs to change.” photo by addie clark T O P R I G H T Junior Lili Vottero holds a sign during JV’s gameday performance. photo by addie clark

BOTTOM LEFT Junior Lili Vottero finishes getting ready before JV begins their performance. “I usually put my hair in a slick back pony and have someone else do my bun,” Vottero said. “ Then, I start on my makeup and spray my hair.” photo by lyla weeks

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

B O T T O M R I G H T The Lancer Dancers perform their Jazz routine for the second time this year. The first time they performed this routine was at the varsity basketball game against SM Northwest the night before. photo by molly scott

28 | JANUARY 22, 2024

2024

THE HARBINGER

story b y l o re l e i g al l e s

d e s ig n b y addi e moore a r t b y b e l l a b ro ce

A LOOK INTO S t u d e n t s s h a re f a s h i o n , p o p cul t ure and East re l a te d p re d i c t i o n s for the upcoming year

im a ge c o u r t s e y o f a d o b e

JUNIOR BLAKELY FAULKNER predicts a shake-up with famous actors. She foresees a boom in the Barry Keoghan fan base, with him potentially starring as Joker in the next “Batman” movie. She also believes that Sydney Sweeney will be cancelled in the wake of her fame from the hit rom-com “Anyone But You.” “There was drama with [Sweeney] and Glen Powell,”

WILL

LOVEBIRDS

TAYLOR

Faulkner said. “I actually really like her, but I get the

Swift and Travis Kelce get engaged

vibe that something’s gonna happen with her. She does

in 2024? Freshman Mira McInnes

a lot of PR stunts.”

predicts they will.

Since being spotted at ten of Kelce’s games, Swift seems to be

SENIOR MARGOT BEAVER believes

moving faster than ever with her

the “clean girl” look of 2023 is a thing

romance. According to McInnes,

of the past. Instead of slicked back

Kelce seems like a family man, so

and tight hairstyles, she predicts much

things could be picking up for this

looser styles with face-framing pieces in

Kansas City couple. for six or seven years that she never talked about,” McInnes said.

“This one’s way more public, and they seem happy.”

the “rich messy girl” aesthetic. love st ory

“[Swift] was in a relationship

“Not ‘messy girl’ as in Alix Earle with puke on her dress, but like the girl wearing furs instead of leather,” Beaver said. “[Slick backs] kind of hurt and they’re not great for your hair. I feel like people are just gonna get sick of it.”

FRESHMAN ARLO MAI predicts that varsity baseball will win state.

The team lost their first game in

SENIOR AND STYLIST Trey Hyde predicts the

state

this

rise of “quiet luxury” in fashion. Hyde expects

upcoming season has great promise

more neutral tones, and tall boots while straying

for senior catchers Anthony Mazza

away from cropped clothing, crazy prints and

and Jake Miller, who were on the

colors — especially within luxury brands. He’s

team last year.

already noticing this trend change at his job at

last

year.

Mai

thinks

“I think they’re going to have a

Daisy Lee Vintage.

good season with all the seniors that

“Quiet luxury in the sense that a designer

have been on varsity for multiple

item, at first glance, [might not] look designer,”

seasons,” Mai said. “Getting close

Hyde said. “Pretty much expensive basics that

last year and not winning is the

don’t necessarily look totally high brand.”

motivation we need.”