The Harbinger Issue 11 2024-2025

BEST COLLEGES HARBINGER NEWS

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

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AnD tHis is jusT halF of it!

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EDITORS

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EDITORS

Avery Anderson

Addie Moore

ONLINE EDITORS

Larkin Brundige

Connor Vogel

ASST. PRINT EDITORS

Sophia Brockmeier

Libby Marsh

ASST. ONLINE EDITORS

Luciana Mendy

Lucy Stephens

HEAD COPY EDITOR

Ada Lillie Worthington

ASST. HEAD COPY EDITORS

Libby Marsh

Luciana Mendy

HEAD PHOTO EDITORS

Caroline Martucci

Molly Miller

Clara Peters

Amelie Wong

ASST. PHOTO EDITORS

Will Grif th

Paige Bean

Katie Cook

Addie Clark

VIDEO EDITORS

Alex Sajna

Mason Sajna

ASST. VIDEO EDITOR

Preston Hooker

DESIGN EDITOR

Kai McPhail

ASST. DESIGN EDITORS

Sydney Eck

Bella Broce

PAGE DESIGNERS

Ben Bagby

Ashtyn Ingram

Ava Slocum

Sophie Bruner

Tillie Paisner

SECTION EDITORS

EDITORIAL

Julia Campbell

NEWS

Clara Burdick

OPINION

Christopher Long

Evelyn Geheb

Vivien Glenski

Rubi Hakes

Caroline Hoffman

Lexi Madden

Tyler Russell

Zac Russell

Ellen Bowser

Avni Bansal

ART

ART EDITORS

Kai McPhail

Simon Shawver

Ava Towner

Annie Trenkle

DESIGN WRITING

FEATURE

Miranda Liberda

A&E

Evelyn Bagley

SPORTS

Lucy Swope

PHOTO

PHOTO MENTORS

Francesca Lorusso

Mason Sajna

Molly Scott

STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sylvie DeGalan

Emery Engle

Anastasia Flower

Molly McDermed

Lila Elwood

MULTIMEDIA STAFF

Emma Weidman

Mac Christian

EQUIPMENT MANAGER

Mason Sajna

STAFF WRITERS

Caroline Beal

Vanessa Blades

Reese Dunham

Mary Gagen

Addy Newman

Mya Smith

Alex Harden

Jeremy George

COPY EDITORS

Emmerson Winfrey

Lucy Wolf

Michael Yi

Grace Pei

Avery Foster

ASST. ART EDITOR

STAFF ARTISTS

Tillie Paisner

Preston Hooker

Bella Broce

SOCIAL MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS

Isabel Baldassaro

Lucy Stephens

ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS

Sydney Eck

Lyla Weeks

SOCIAL MEDIA STAFF

Adyson Cooper

Francesca Lorusso BUSINESS

ADS MANAGER

Michael Yi

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Reese Dunham

CONTEST COORDINATORS

Sophia Brockmeier

Addie Clark

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 con rmed 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.

mcphail

art by kai mcphail

photo by francesca lorusso

photo by katie cook

design by julia campbell art by francesca

lorusso

FLOODING STOP THE ZONE

WE’RE GOING TO be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.”

“We’re going back to plastic straws, these things don’t work.”

“We need Greenland for national security purposes.”

These are just a few of the intelligent ideas President Donald Trump has said to the press in various interviews just weeks after

“Flooding the zone” is an unethical form of politics that distracts the media from important policies

to sneak by other egregious policies.

“Flooding the zone” is an immoral political tactic that Trump is using to manipulate the media through an overwhelming amount of executive orders.

The term, coined by former Trump White House chief strategist Steve Bannon in 2018, refers to a strategy used to overwhelm political opposition in Congress.

So while everyone is focusing on the ridiculous executive orders in the news, they’re ignoring things like ending COVID-19

DAMA GINGORDERS

Some of President citizens Trump’s that are negatively impacting U.S. executive orders

After establishing an agenda to secure U.S. borders, a Missouri state senator presented a bill putting a bounty on undocumented immigrants * accordingtoHolland&Knight , missouriindependent , andkcur.org

for: 11 against: 0

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.

past the other team’s defense — but instead of 200 pound receivers in shoulder pads, it’s a flurry of executive orders and signing statements.

Trump is the leader in first-day executive orders among the previous seven presidents. According to USA Today, Trump signed 26 orders on inauguration day. Former President Joe Biden is the runner up with just nine orders.

And as of Feb. 19, he’s signed a total of 66.

With so many executive orders being

the Department of Government Efficiency, but what you haven’t heard of is eradicating anti-Christian bias or the lame-duck collective bargaining agreements.

These more serious orders like bringing religion into the White House or reversing actions made by the former President just days before that will have a far-reaching effect on the American population are overshadowed by the influx of other orders that make the headlines.

Eliminated all diversity, equity and inclusion programs throughout the federal government

Luckily, the White House website is organized well enough where you can find all of Trump’s actions since entering office, as well as press briefing and statements about “important” topics like the Daytona 500 and

The briefings and statements have barely any mention of Trump’s policies, meaning the White House isn’t publicizing his actions. If someone wants to be informed on everything, they need to dig through 12 pages of political

Trump needs to stop “flooding the zone” and start practicing being an ethical and honest leader that’s able to take actions bypass the

Initiated the U.S. Department of Government Ef ciency as an of cial federal agency, rather than a non-governmental advisory group. Thousands of federal employees are being red

stories by mya smith

poppin’ orchestra

ORCHESTRA WILL PERFORM their annual Pops concert with songs from popular movie soundtracks and other well-known songs on March 5.

WE’RE ALL IN this together, everyone already knew what it sounded like. So then that just makes it easier to play. It’s nostalgic for a lot of people who grew up on those movies.

SELLA LINDBERG JUNIOR

Symphonic orchestra, the most advanced level of orchestra, will be playing songs from “Aladdin.” The second highest level, the philharmonic orchestra, will play songs from “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts.”

Orchestra will perform their “Pops” concert on March 5

The lowest orchestra level, concert orchestra, will play songs from “Mission Impossible.”

After each group plays, the three groups consisting of roughly 70 students in total will combine to play group pieces from “Mission Impossible” and “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.

Orchestra has been preparing for this concert since December and plans to keep practicing during the school week and at home to perfect their musical execution.

For junior Leniah Ward who plays in the symphonic group, practicing for this concert has been easy because the music isn’t as difficult to learn.

“Our Pops concert usually has a bit of easier music, because the top groups work on stuff for the contest, which is super hard music, so we stay on the easier side of things,” Ward said.

Junior Stella Lindberg plays cello for the philharmonic orchestra and

Trump has directed the U.S. treasury department to stop producing pennies due to cost

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP announced on Feb. 9 that he’s directing the Trump Administration to end the production of pennies. He ordered the U.S. Treasury Department to stop producing pennies, according to AP News. The U.S. Treasury Department is in charge of managing federal finances.

Trump believes the production of pennies is a wasteful use of money, according to AP News, because a penny costs more than two cents to produce.

and metals — lost $85.3 million by producing pennies in the fiscal year of 2024 according to AP News.

History teacher Steve Klein believes this new policy to stop the production of pennies won’t lead to very significant changes in the economy.

“From a government cost-cutting perspective, it seems like an easy thing to target,” Klein said. “A slight concern I have is that companies would be rounding up so things that are $1.99 will be $2 because they’re not going to round down to the nearest nickel.

That does have a slight impact on inflation, which one of the priorities of the new administration was to cut down on inflation.’

$85.3 mil

enjoys playing for the Pops concert because the audience can easily recognize the music and playing wellknown songs makes it easier for the orchestra to learn the songs.

“It’s fun to play them because you kind of already know how they go,” Lindberg said. “for “We’re All In This Together,” everyone already knew what it sounded like. So then that just makes it easier to play. It’s nostalgic for a lot of people who grew up on those movies.”

The most exciting part for Lindberg is hearing the music come together from all of the groups harmonizing and enjoying the symphonic orchestra’s songs.

“I’m definitely looking forward to seeing first hour [symphonic orchestra] play the “Aladdin” soundtrack,” Lindberg said. “One of my friends in first hour played some of it for me, and it sounded really beautiful .I think it’s going to be easy for us to stay together and play it well during the concert.”

this new policy because she believes there are more important things to focus on and that nickels are more expensive to produce than pennies.

“I don’t think the presence of pennies is the most urgent need in our country,” Klein said. “ But it’s part of an economic plan that the President was elected to enact. If it saves a little money to do that, then that’s probably to be expected.” no more pennies

The U.S Mint — the organization that produces, organizes and distributes coins

LOST DUE TO THE PRODUCTION OF PENNIES, ACCORDING TO THE U.S. MINT

Junior Willow Austin disagrees with Trump’s decision to implement

“By some point we’re just going to be completely on credit and debit cards,” Austin said. “I don’t think cash will exist just because of the evolution of our economy. It doesn’t make sense to me, because if you look at the actual facts of how much the coins cost to manufacture, nickels are the ones that are the most expensive.”

Klein believes that eliminating pennies isn’t the most crucial thing to do in the U.S., but he knows that it’s part of Trump’s plan and would eventually have to happen anyways.

BOTTOM RIGHT Freshman Laila Kelman practices on her cello for the orchestra concert, “Pops.”

photo by sylvie degalan

BOTTOM LEFT Freshman

Audrianna Wittington practices for the orchestra concert, “Pops.” photo by sylvie degalan

RIGHT Sophomore

LEFT Freshman Muhamad Marawi practices in class for the orchestra concert on March 5.

photo by sylvie degalan

TIME FOR

Students and staff react to the tariffs put in place by President Donald Trump, which will impact consumers

CONSUMERS WILL

FEEL the impacts of the new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China, signed by President Donald Trump as of Feb 1.

There’s now a 25% blanket tariff on Mexico and Canada, which has been delayed 30 days, and a 10% tariff on China. The delay allows businesses to prepare for increased costs. There’s an exception for Canadian energy, which will only be tariffed at 10%.

TARIFFS

story by mary gagen

For example, tech companies primarily import their aluminum, but now those companies will have to pay a tax, similar to an “entrance fee” to import their product into America. In most cases, the price of the product is raised for consumers so the companies don’t lose money from the tariffs.

Associate teaching professor for the University of Kansas business school

Dr. Levi Russell explains that tariffs are often used as negotiation tools between countries. Ultimately, both countries benefit from trade. Adding a tariff to one country’s products can be used as a negotiation tactic by limiting their profit until they inflict change.

“It’s a

10% 25% $ $800 or less imports are exempt from taxation as per Section 321. is only taxed at 10%, as many Americans rely on it. tar iff Taxes on imported goods, paid by the companies importing the goods.

tariffs on Chinese imports.

negotiation,” Dr. Russell said. “It’s international relations. It’s about trying to get people to work together, but it’s an adversarial thing.”

The tariffs are intended to dissolve the “extraordinary threat” of immigrants and drugs, specifically fentanyl, according to the Trump Administration.

The administration claims that the situation is a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which says that the President may exercise all powers granted to them in response to “any unusual and extraordinary threat.”

The Trump Administration has deemed illegal immigrants and the flow of fentanyl an emergency, allowing Trump to do anything in his power to put an end to the emergency.

According to Dr. Russell, tariffs can be used in the form of demands when allied countries are sorting out their issues. This is applicable in the U.S.’ relationship with Mexico. The Trump Administration is enforcing tariffs as an ultimatum for Mexico — either they can lose profit and sales from American consumers, or they can work to halt illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl.

In that case, the tariff is less focused on monetary policy, and more on foreign relations. If the tariff works as intended, both countries will remove the tariffs and they will return to free trade, according to Dr. Russell.

According to financial literacy teacher Kevin Wiesner, it’s important to note that those taxes aren’t paid by the countries the tariffs are placed on, but rather by the companies that are importing the goods.

“For example, if Apple imports something from China and there’s a 10% tariff on China and the good they’re importing, Apple has to pay that,” Wiesner said. “It’s not China paying it. It’s Apple.”

Senior Nicholas Black believes tariffs are harmful to consumers short-term.

“It can be a good negotiating tool, but at the end of the day it creates an immediate issue for consumers because it raises prices,” Black said. “So while it can work, it often takes time and doesn’t yield immediate results unless one country is in a more advantageous position.”

Tariffs are based on the economic theory of supply and demand. According to Wiesner, in theory, tariffs are meant to encourage production on American soil rather than importing products. Ideally, tariffs would encourage Americans to buy from Americanbased companies. However, not all tariffs pan out that way.

Wiesner gives the example of coffee beans. Because only one state, Hawaii, produces coffee beans, there isn’t enough domestic production to sustain the demand of Americans so the U.S. imports them. A tariff would have a negative effect as there wouldn’t be enough supply to meet the demand, hindering rather than encouraging domestic growth.

The administration claims the tariffs will “hold Mexico, Canada and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into” the U.S.

However, in Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony before Congress, he defended his opinion that countries without tariffs experience more growth because businesses are able to import with minimal restrictions. In the same congressional meeting, Senator Jack Reed shared that many economists predict that the newly implemented tariffs will raise the average family’s costs by $1200 per year and lead to a 1.2% increase in

inflation.

For example, a small business may need to charge higherthannormal prices in order to keep their business afloat. Because they’re paying taxes on importation due to tariffs, their prices have to rise to cover those costs.

$ tariffs on Canadian & Mexican imports.

ENERGY

*according to whitehouse.gov

This, in turn, creates inflation.

Yet, Dr. Russell says low consumer prices aren’t the only aspect to consider. The potential long-term effects of internationally lowered tariffs, according to Dr. Russell, is beneficial enough to outweigh the short-term consequence of increased prices.

Many other economists declined to comment on the issue, out of fear of being too political. Overall, it’s generally accepted throughout that these tariffs will raise consumer prices short-term regardless of the long-term impact.

EDUCATION

A look into recent changes to the department of Education

How the DOE portions out their funding

design by connor vogel photos by sylvie degalan

Tfrancesca lorusso

passed a bill banning genderaffirming care on Feb. 18. This bill mirrors the executive order, currently going through the federal courts, titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” signed by President Donald Trump on Jan. 28.

This bill states that in Kansas it’s illegal for anyone under 18 to receive gender-affirming care. Doctors could be sued for performing any gender-affirming treatments like hormones, puberty blockers or surgeries, according to Taryn Jones, policy director of Equality Kansas, a statewide advocacy organization.

Governor Laura Kelly initially vetoed the bill, but her veto was overridden by Republican senators and representatives who now have a supermajority in both houses. Kansas is one of 27 states that have proposed a bill like this. The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding a similar bill in Tennessee last December and the court ruling will be released this summer. Legal experts believe that the court is most likely to uphold the ban in Tennessee, increasing the chances it will be upheld in other states, according to AP News.

BROKEN protections

Recent Kansas legislature banning gender-affirming care has been passed, mirroring the executive order passed by President Donald Trump

libby marsh

Erin Woods, founder of Six Degrees of Activism, a newsletter advocating for Kansas schools, opposes the bill and federal order and believes that parents should be able to get care for their children.

“Each [piece of legislation passed] is just a step towards devaluing an important group of people,” Woods said. “Everyone deserves respect and deserves to live an authentic life and it just feels like we are focusing on this really small, vulnerable community. I just have a hard time understanding why.”

However, Heritage Foundation representative Jay Richards gave testimony in Kansas in support of the bill.

“There’s no reliable scientific evidence that these treatments improve the longterm health of these minors, let alone that the benefits outweigh the many risks,” Richards said in his testimony.

At the federal level, the order states that any organization providing genderaffirming care to those under 19 will have federal funding withdrawn. Kansas defines minors as under 18, while the federal government defines minors under 19, meaning the policies have different age limitations.

“It doesn’t outright ban gender-affirming

SHATTERED PRECEDENTS

“DEFENDING WOMEN FROM GENDER IDEOLOGY EXTREMISM...”

Declares that being female or male is immutable and defined by biological sex at conception

Requires federal agencies and employees to follow these terms in documents and policies

care, it just restricts any federal funds from being used for gender-affirming care,” Jones said.

This includes both federally funded healthcare organizations as well as insurance programs like Medicaid and TRICARE.

On Feb. 13 and 14, two federal courts issued a temporary injunction on the order, meaning the government cannot enforce it for at least 14 days, or more if extended by the courts. This injunction was on section 4 of the order — the section that takes away federal funding — on the grounds that it’s unconstitutional.

Jones also mentioned that without the federal order, a Kansas minor seeking care could travel to another state. But, if the order goes through the federal courts and is upheld, this no longer would be possible.

For the time being, medical providers can continue to give gender-affirming care. The results of the executive order will be determined by the Supreme Court. However, this doesn’t change Kansas’s laws — the statewide ban still applies for those under 18.

Similarly, an executive order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” was signed on Feb. 5 preventing transgender

females from participating in women’s athletics and entering women’s bathrooms or locker rooms. This order mirrors the legislation put in place in 2023 in Kansas, according to the Kansas High School Activities Association executive director Bill Faflick.

“The impact is really negligible because state law followed by [KSHSAA] already directs the action included in the executive order,” Faflick said.

Another order he signed, entitled “Defending women from gender ideology extremism and restoring biological truth to the federal government” defines “sex” as the gender assigned at birth and does not include gender ideology. This changes the interpretation of Title IX, reinforcing the prior executive order.

A disclaimer has been added to the top of Title IX stating it should be read according to the executive order where all references to gender are changed to sex.

“It just puts a target on their backs for all sorts of things and I just feel like it must be hard to feel safe in that community right now as each and every executive order or new law goes into place,” Woods said.

A breakdown of three recent executive orders that impact transgender rights

“PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM CHEMICAL AND SURGICAL MUTILATION”

Declares that the U.S. will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist or support the process of a child to transition from one sex to another

Medical schools and hospitals receiving federal research or education grants must stop performing transition procedures

signed Jan. 20 signed Jan. 28

“KEEPING MEN OUT OF WOMEN’S SPORTS”

All executive departments and agencies will review grants to educational programs and rescind funding to programs that allow biological men in women’s athletics

The Department of Justice will help to execute the enforcement of this policy

signed Feb. 5

SCAN ME PHOTO

StuCo members help set up for the WPA Sweetheart dance the morning of the event FEBRUARY 24, 2025

WPREA

design by molly miller

BELOW Senior Maggie Condon writes, “Will you go to sweetheart with me?” near the entrance to the dance.

LEFT Senior Isabel Baldassaro picks her boutonniere order up from the library. The flowers were designed by Branches and Twigs, a company owned by East parent Andrea Deschaine.

Freshman Libby Morris ties a string through a group of letters that spells “Valentines.” She was assigned to decorate the hallway.

ABOVE

photo by zac russell

photo by molly miller

photo by molly miller

RIGHT Sophomore Vada Walsh traces over the word “Valentine” with window markers in the hallway.

photo by molly scott

18% of Americans pretend to like sushi but actually hate it

hot take

School sports should count as a physical education credit

40% of Americans say Ranch is their favorite dressing believes that Chipotle is the best quality fast food

story

by

Davni bansal

AILY 90-MINUTE practices consisting of stretching, running laps around the court and matchplay, plus three five-hour tournaments every week — that was my schedule during JV girls tennis last fall. Yet none of it counted toward my required P.E. credit.The district required one credit, which meant taking two semester-long classes — half a credit each.School sports should count toward the physical education requirement because they demand more physical activity than traditional P.E. classes and allow for more flexible academic schedules. P.E.

comic strip

art by avery foster

classes total about four hours per week. Most school sports, on the other hand, require at least 7 ½ hours weekly. Varsity and JV volleyball and basketball have daily two-hour practices plus biweekly games. Student-athletes already exceed P.E. requirements because sports involve many hours of exercise. I don’t want to cram random P.E. classes into my schedule when I barely have room for the courses I actually want to take. I took online P.E. to get half a credit out of the way — a huge waste of time. There was no way to track participation, and it didn’t come close to the physical demands of a sport. Plus, students often

logged inaccurate exercise hours and had their parents sign off. Allowing school sports to count for credit also incentivizes more students to try out, helping them discover new activities, meet new people and stay active. Even no-cut teams like Blue/White Tennis offer movement, teamwork and school involvement. The time, effort and dedication student-athletes put into their sport should be recognized. One season of a school sport should fulfill half of the mandatory P.E credit.

1

Harbinger staffer ranks best sneaker brands 2 3 sta ranking

ON Running has pioneered the eld for innovative ergonomic designs that make each step feel like walking on water. Their classic colors and elegant look complement any out t making them the best shoe brand on the market.

Nike has been considered one of the best overall sneaker and apparel brand with brilliant shoes like Air Force 1’s and Jordans which feel as stylish as they look. Their history makes them a close second close to ON.

New Balance has floated in and out of style over the years but they’re still considered a sneakerhead favorite with timeless pieces such as the 997s or 991 which cement their status as some of the best shoes on the market.

*Instagram poll of 334 votes

art by avery foster

Sophomore Aiden Bush

NO TO THE

Schools and society need to be more tolerant of seasonal affective disorder and offer public coping solutions

NEVER-ENDING

DAYS , unproductive weekends and racing from cars into school to avoid frostbite are a few of the unfortunate repercussions of winter shared by many high schoolers.

But for those diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, informally known as seasonal depression, winter can cause low energy, intense overeating and even suicidal ideation, according to Mayo Clinic.

Society needs to be more accepting towards the unfortunate prevalence of SAD in order to help those affected cope with their symptoms, in order to help them get through winter.

Although none of my peers, family, or myself are specifically diagnosed with SAD, everyone that I interact with in the winter appears to be incredibly agitated. So much that you would think they drank a quart of rotten milk.

Scientists at the National Institute of Mental Health have linked the hours of daylight to serotonin levels in the brain, which means that people who live further north are more likely to develop seasonal depression due to their lack of sunlight in the winter.

Even though Kansas is technically considered in the center of the U.S., our unpredictable weather and long winter days can cause mood swings. While I’m not diagnosed with SAD, during the winter, if I don’t have a snack at 2 p.m., you might as well not

speak to me until dinner.

SAD’s prevalence in any state with below freezing temperatures has made me painfully aware of the lacking understanding that SAD can affect every aspect of the diagnosed individual’s life and the lives of everyone who interacts with them.

Dogs can even exhibit feelings of tiredness and withdrawal during winter with their own unofficial version of seasonal depression, dubbed “Canine Seasonal Affective Disorder.”

SAD is a genuine problem, not just a lame excuse for teenagers to look forward to their spring breaks.

ser o ton in

A substance that is found mostly in the digestive tract, central nervous system , and platelets

It’s so common that even our dogs can feel like the world is ending and go through feelings of sadness and exhaustion over the long winter days.

Though only 5% of Americans are officially diagnosed, according to

The Miami Herald, millions of people experience SAD and people’s cases vary depending on how severe the symptoms are.

Whether or not winter makes you depressed and exhausted, the season will have an effect whether it’s feelings of isolation or dread over the snow making your socks saturated with ice cold water as you race to your car in

SNOW

the cold.

If you aren’t given the opportunity to escape the arctic temperatures and visit a tropical destination to safely count down the days until spring, winter can seriously affect every aspect of your life.

Thanks in part to the internet, there are dozens of methods to fight winter’s depressive effects.

The Center for Environmental Therapeutics claims special lamps that simulate natural light are the best cure and others swear by the effectiveness of spending time with family.

But if you don’t feel like spending up to $300 for a light therapy lamp, I’ve found relief in taking Vitamin D supplements, making the most of the few sunny days that winter offers and exercising regularly.

While solutions are certainly available, our culture needs to accept the amount of people diagnosed with SAD and offer sympathy. Whether that’s a kind word or giving them space we need to address seasonal affective disorder as opposed to ignoring its naturality.

Whether it’s understanding that your chemistry lab partner is struggling to cope with endless winter days and a mountain of school work or your sibling who can’t wait to see winter in the rearview mirror, we must acknowledge and accept the toll winter takes on all of us.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER: SYMPTOMS TREATMENT

The symptoms and treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder

story by christopher long

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

NOT LIKE U.S.

story by ellen bowser

HE SAID “Hey Drake” into the camera.

He rapped “Not Like Us.” Listen, I enjoy a little rap beef just as much as the next gal, but Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance was about much more than his ongoing feud with Drake. If your biggest takeaway from this performance was that Lamar rapped alongside two of Drake’s exes or that he called out Drake’s label, you should probably rewatch it.

Upon rewatching, you’ll see that throughout the halftime performance, Lamar serves up symbolism about America’s current political divide. He also references the judgment of Black culture by the same pop culture that streamed “Not Like Us” to no end this summer.

Samuel L. Jackson appears as Uncle Sam to announce and, at times, judge the performance. The all-Black dancer troupe is dressed in red, white and blue, forming an American flag at one point in the show. They also represent the African American population throughout the performance.

The presence of Uncle Sam in Lamar’s show added a visually patriotic feel but served as a judgment of Lamar’s behavior throughout the performance. After singing “All The Stars”

U.S.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show is more than just a diss at Drake

with SZA — one of Lamar’s most popular songs — Uncle Sam said “That’s what America wants: nice; calm.”

Lamar’s political criticism even came through with choreography. At one point, the dancers formed an American flag on a set of stairs as Lamar walked down the middle, symbolizing the current divide of America’s political climate.

Uncle Sam also announces the performance as “the great American game,” a game of tic tac toe that Lamar and his dancers will play throughout the halftime show.

In today’s America, only a select few people can succeed, and once they get to the top, this ‘inner circle’ can create rules that are impossible to follow. At the end of Lamar’s performance, lights flash the message: “GAME OVER.”

“The revolution is about to be televised; you picked the right time but the wrong guy,” Lamar said, likely referring to Donald Trump.

This is the only Super Bowl that a sitting president has attended.

Yes, Lamar took a few petty shots at Drake, as expected, but his message was clearly aimed higher — at President Donald Trump.

We’re at a point in this country where

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts are being rolled back — if you haven’t noticed, it’s Black History Month, even though Google Calendar no longer recognizes this.

So when Lamar appeared with a troupe of all-Black dancers and rapped that this is “bigger than the music,” after alluding to the end of slave trade, it’s hard to ignore his criticism of the American government’s recent choices.

“Forty acres and a mule,” Lamar said, referencing the unfulfilled promise of land given to ex-slaves after the Civil War had ended.

Later in the performance, every dancer — except for those within the ‘inner circle’ closest to Lamar — falls to the ground, signifying that only a select group of people can succeed in this “game.”

If there’s one thing pop culture learned from the Kendrick and Drake discourse this summer, it’s that if Kendrick Lamar says something, he says it with intent. He’s also not one to shy away from political statements in his music.

In the first track of Lamar’s 2017 album “DAMN.,” he literally samples a conversation between Fox News reporters critiquing his music.

I’m not denying that Lamar’s use of his audience and platform was

meant to embarrass Drake, because he did just that when he brought out Serena Williams — one of Drake’s exes — to dance with him during his performance. But to me, that was the least important part of his 13-minute production.

Williams’s presence was more than just dissing Drake, though, and so was all of Lamar’s performance. Her appearance also disses those who have judged the Black community for expressing unfiltered culture through music or dancing.

Even Serena Williams’s Crip Walk during “Not Like Us” wasn’t just about Drake. Williams was highly criticized in 2012 after she won her Olympic gold medal and celebrated by Crip Walking across the court. The world of tennis — a predominantly white sport — saw this dance as ‘unsportsmanlike.’ Code for ‘not what we want you to act like.’

Lamar is here to tell the world that he’s not going to be “nice” or “calm” anymore. The Drake disses in Lamar’s performance should be more of a footnote to history when compared to the number of racial and political allegories he performed in the face of President Trump.

The world should be listening.

design by caroline beal

photo courtesy of imdb

Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl

statistics

OPINION

design by adyson cooper photos by molly mcdermed

DISCONNECTED. DISCONNECTED.

The new SMSD phone policy is excessive and poses unnecessary and additional problems story by vanessa blades

AFTER SUFFERING A year of constantly having my phone locked in my locker at Indian Hills due to their phone ban? I didn’t think I would ever have to deal with a phone ban again, especially in high school.

Ever since SM East introduced the new phone ban on Feb. 3, school has changed. In middle school, I’d get my phone taken in the hallways for not having it stashed in my locker and all I could think was “I can’t wait for high school.” Now there’s seemingly no difference between the two.

I thought high school meant being considered responsible and mature enough to make my own decisions. Instead, the phone ban brings me back to seventh grade with no freedom and teachers regulating my every move.

Not only are phones banned, but so are headphones. Music helps me and countless other students focus on their work, avoid distractions in the background and be more productive. According to the National

Library of Medicine, listening to music can spike creativity. Now, I can’t listen to Tame Impala with my AirPods to help me focus on my work.

“THE DISTRICT MUST

realize the rules are excessive and impractical. I understand why they made the urle, butt they havent considered all the little factors they are taking way.

VANESSA

BLADES

SOPHOMORE

have the maturity to control what they can do on their computers. With these bans, I can’t take a brain break after finishing my assignments in class. Instead, I’ve been spending all my free time on the few unblocked online shopping sites websites and Pinterest.

And the worst part of the phone ban is that it applies to seminar.

I always put my headphones on and try to get as much work done as possible, but without them, I feel like I can’t do anything productive. I feel like I’m trapped in silence, forced to do work. When I have no homework, I try to leave school because I’m just sitting there wasting time.

they’ve gone three and a half years without the ban. I already have a routine of getting my work done and then getting on my phone, and now I get my work done and just sit there.

The district must realize the rules are excessive and impractical. I understand why they made the rule, but they haven’t considered all the little factors they are taking away.

Students should be able to have their phones during independent work time at the bare minimum. Even after finishing my work, I can’t get on my phone. I just have to sit there and stare at the wall.

Additionally, all the Google Chrome extension games were recently banned as they can distract students in younger grades, but high schoolers should

Only being allowed to contact our parents through the school phone due to the policy isn’t fair, and poses a safety risk. The amount of school threats we get is absurd and now we don’t have our phones to communicate with anyone about what’s happening during the school day.

The punishment for getting caught being on our phones is a two-hour detention after school on Friday, which is too harsh. You get three warnings until this punishment but still, only three

The SMSD administration should’ve waited until next year to enact this new policy. This big change in the middle of the school year is making all students change their routines, especially seniors since

Yes, phones can be distracting during instructional time, but students should have freedom during work time. High school students are capable of making their own decisions on when they want to do their homework and how they want to schedule their time. If they’re not they will deal with the consequences themselves like any other adult.

DO YOU THINK THE PHONE BAN IS FAIR?

*Instagram poll of 503 votes YES NO

17% 83%

If the district was truly concerned about our futures and how we’re going to operate in society, they wouldn’t enact a policy that takes us a step back in our educational journey into adulthood.

STUDENT SYNOPSIS

Students opinions on how the phone ban is affecting them in class

FRANCIE GARRISON SENIOR

“

A LOT OF the times when we have to use our phones, it’s to get in contat with people around the school when it comes to doing interviews or getting mugs of people. And that’s stuff that we have to do when it’s actually during class, because obviously when you need someone for an interview they’re in class too.

“BO MORRISSEY

SENIOR

THERE’S TIMES IN studnet store where we are allowed to be on our phones just because we need to post on social media, especially since you’re alllowed to have your phone at lunch, so that way people can see it. But then the ban, it’s a lot harder to lm stuff like outside of the classroom, because teachers are kind of more concerned about a ton of kids being on their phones. art by avery foster

meet the fashion club

Meet a few of the members of the fashion club

BRIANNE STOCKMAN SPONSOR

EMMA WEIDMAN MEMBER

join fashion club!

21% of students followed this year’s New York Fashion Week

9 days is how long New York Fashion Week usually lasts

NYFW trends

TILLIE PAISNER CO-FOUNDER

LEXI MADDEN MEMBER

MADY HUTSELL MEMBER

Trends of New York Fashion Week according to Harper’s Bazaar Midi Skirt Suits

ZELLA HANDZELL CO-FOUNDER

Designers like Kallmeyer, Calvin Klein and Tory Burch reimagined ’80s-inspired skirt suits for the modern professional, featuring clean lines and neutral tones.

Brooches

The brooche became a focal point on the runway, elevating simple outfits with a touch of vintage charm but also with a modern flare.

Cape Coats

They meet twice a month in room 223 to talk about anything fashion related.

Follow them on Instagram @smeastfashionclub for more updates.

Contact matildapaisner@gmail.com & 3161617@smsd.org with questions.

this week in photos

BELOW Sophomore Caroline Hawkinson colors a paper about lines in FAIDS class.

BELOW Sophomore Jane Kapke pours milk into a pot while sophomore Izzy Eisman watches.

Designers continued to embrace cape-style outerwear, offering dramatic flair to traditional coats.

design by miranda liberda

photo by rubi hakes

photo by caroline hoffman

design

by

ben bagby photos

by

mason sajna

MOVING WITH THE MILLERS

story by alex harden

OVERLOOKING THE LAKE

of the Ozarks, engineering and robotics teacher Vincent Miller yanks a rope to lift the lumber needed for his roof. In a project that would usually require an extensive crew, Miller’s crew is his family.

Miller has been constructing a house by the Lake of the Ozarks since 2017. His father, sister and uncle have helped in the process of building his ideal lake house by hand. Whether it be supplying lumber or just aiding in the building process.

“This whole story goes way back to my

Miller’s grandfather built houses as a hobby. Miller’s grandfather taught Miller’s father how

The phases in building Mr. Miller’s house

Began building a foundation first HOW TO... build a house

Started building back in 2017

Engineering and robotics teacher Mr. Miller is building a house in the Ozarks

to build homes by hand, who then taught Miller.

Following in his family’s footsteps, Miller has built three other houses with his father in the past. He started the lakeside home eight years ago, continuing on and off, most recently returning to the site this winter.

“I think that passion is what got me into all of this,” Miller said.

After the camp his family regularly went to was redeveloped into condos, Miller wanted to create a new spot for his family to spend time together. Since his family spent much of their time by the lake, Miller knew the get-away had to be lakeside.

Prior to becoming a teacher, Miller earned an architecture degree and experience in engineering at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Using his degree, Miller drafted a plan for the lakeside house.

Creating a plan that worked took many attempts.

“Plan A, plan B, plan C and I thought I was all the way to around S by the time we finally had one that we thought we would do.” Miller said.

Miller used his engineering skills to craft make-shift cranes out of wood and scaffolding, alongside pulleys to move materials that would require more help than he has.

The home has been built mainly by Miller and his family members. Miller only used a contractor to build the foundation of the house alongside a crew of Amish people to assist in raising the roof of the home.

The house is currently nearing its completion, and is scheduled to be finished in a year or two. Usually going on weekends and breaks, Miller plans to return at the end of February to continue work on his home.

Sophomore and Honors Engineering

Phase Two:

Building second and third floors

Works on weekends and during breaks

student Gray Snyder says Miller seems proud of the progress he has made on the house.

Snyder recalls that Miller would often share photos of the home’s progress with his class.

However, the process has had its fair share of difficulties. Miller had to prevent the lumber from rotting before installing it in the home.

“You got to use it pretty quickly or else it starts going bad,” Miller said. “So I had to take a lot of time and a lot of effort to be able to get that done.”

Currently, the home boasts three stories, with the first story standing at 10 feet tall. A garage and eight-foot tall windows that adorn the second floor.

Due to the price of lumber increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the property was built using wood bought at a lower price from Miller’s sister’s wood mill in Montana.

“I’m very happy with how the home’s turning out,” Miller said.

Senior Lars Alsin is a neighbor of Miller’s local home and a prior student of his engineering courses. Alsin has visited the site of the home and has been following the progress on Miller’s lakeside home.

“I think he’s done pretty well,” Alsin said. “I think freshman year, he just had pretty much like a foundation and one story, and now it’s like two, maybe even three.”

The home is a patchwork of collaboration from Miller’s family, from his grandfather beginning the tradition all the way to his sister aiding lumber during a global pandemic.

Alsin recalls that he’ll see Miller’s father by the lake helping his son work on his home, carrying on his family’s tradition.

Phase Three:

Expected to be finished in a year or two

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

MEET YOUR

story by isabel baldassarro

FOR THE PAST senior SHARE executives Francie Garrison, Lincoln King, Sam Rayfield, Macy Garwood, Michael Winter, Ingrid Blacketer, Espie Lemon and Clara Peters have been planning one of their biggest events of the year, Mr. CANsas — a talent show for select senior boys to show off their respective school organization.

The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 in the auditorium. It’s open for anyone with two canned goods to watch — though audience members can bring extra

CANDIDATES

Meet some of the many candidates of the annual Mr. Cansas fundraiser

cans to vote for their favorite candidates.

Whichever three people receive the highest number of cans in votes will win and official “Mr. CANsas” trophy. The cans will then go to Village Food Pantry to support those in need.

Each nominee will perform a random talent for their Mr. CANsas category, and will be voted on by the viewers of the competition. Garwood said there are a range of acts signed up, from singing and playing instruments to stand-up comedy and golfing.

“We picked people who would be fun to have in a talent show who have very bubbly personalities,” Garwood said. “Then when we thought of those random fun people we matched them to a category that we thought best fit them.”

Every year the candidates have different roles depending on seniors’ unique talents, hobbies and personalities, according to Rayfield. This year, people like seniors George Hartman and JJ Paben took spots as candidates for more abstract roles like Mr.

MR. ORCHESTRA

SENIOR AND 13-YEAR violin Senior and 13-year violin player Carter Smith

wasn’t until King texted Smith to ask if he would take on the role that he agreed.

“For my act I’m bringing in a friend’s band and singing with them,” Smith said.

“Before, we had some practice just to make sure it was at least ok and that we actually played good songs.”

Smith said he doesn’t expect anyone’s acts to be perfect as he knew the performances were all meant to be done for fun and with no pressure.

While he hopes to help SHARE reach their goal of collecting cans for donations by participating, Smith is most excited for the different group dance acts that he’d heard people would be performing.

Nonchalant and Mr. Mancer Dancer.

“Last year they had Mr. Yoyo or Mr. Unicycle,” Rayfield said. “But this year we didn’t have any of those so we had to come up with some new ones.”

Though it was hard to pick only a certain number of people, the executives think they successfully selected “CANdidates” of all social groups and activities at East and are eager to see how it turns out.

MR. NONCHALANT

HARTMAN RECEIVED A text from Rayfield asking him to represent Mr. Golf for his Mr. CANsas nomination. When Hartman politely declined, assuming there would be better people to fit the role like his fellow senior varsity golfers Wylie Curtis or Davis Filmore, he was then asked to fill the new role of “Mr. Nonchalant,” who they thought fit Hartman perfectly.

Hartman says the SHARE executives did well in selecting each candidate and their description, reflecting how they’re perceived by the majority of the senior class.

Hartman will perform a dance

along with the Lancer Dancers who have helped choreograph the routine in practices two week prior.

“I think doing something [together] is more fun than doing it by yourself, especially because it’s supposed to be a little silly,” Hartman said.

“Someone always has a cool dance that’s usually really funny to watch so that’s what I am most excited for,” said Smith.

MR. MANCER DANCER

PABEN WAS INITIALLY to be deemed “Mr. STUCO” by the SHARE execs before senior JP Nolen was nominated to be a better fit. Instead, they wanted Paben to take on the role of “Mr. Mancer Dancer,” following in the footsteps of his twin sister, senior and varsity Lancer Dancer Parker Paben.

While excited to work alongside the Lancer Dancers, Paben is most eager to dance with his friends to a funny Pitch Perfect song.

“I get to perform in front of a bunch of

people and I think it will be fun to show them what I got,” Paben said.

Outside of his own act, Paben isn’t aware of any other talents people would be performing, so he is anxious to see what the other acts were.

“I went to Mr. CANsas last year and I thought it was hilarious,” Paben said.

“So I’m excited to see them this year with all my friends.”

design by miranda liberda

photos by addie clark

routine with seniors JJ Paben — Mr. Mancer Dancer — and Lukas Lowry — Mr. Soccer —

ELI SCHABER

Sophomore Eli Schaber participates in the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) program at SM North

What is NJROTC about?

“It’s a pre-military program. So within the high school level, there are college level versions [as well], which go up to the actual military, which become of cers in the military. Pretty much it’s to help you develop certain characteristics like discipline and other characteristics to prepare you for life in general.”

“parade rest”

Why were you interested in NJROTC?

“I was interested in NJROTC because I believe that it can have multiple bene ts for me. We have physical trainings Monday, Wednesday and Friday and we do our workouts at 6 [a.m.]. And then we have drill which is mainly marching. And [we also] have arm exhibition which is marching with rifles. It mainly helps you focus on those skills. It helps you focus on paying attention. Paying attention and coordination are the most important qualities you possess in that area.”

What is it like, and how do you sign up for it?

“You can sign up for it by talking to Mr. Dusek here at [SM East] and the coach at [SM North]. It’s a class you can take, but the outside activities are optional. It’s highly recommended to do them, you’ll get the most out of it the more you put into it. I go there every morning ve days a week and I feel like it’s gotten better over time. It may be painful in the mornings, like it hurts a lot [at rst], but over time it gets better and you’ll see the progress that you’re making, and you’ll notice positive change.”

How does this bene t you in the future?

“You will puke, if I’m being honest. You will put your sweat and puke into this program and you will work hard... I feel like it will bene t me and develop my character.”

SHIP SHAPE

EVERY DAY STARTS WITH 15...

jumping jacks sit-ups mountain climbers

Some of the workouts Eli does each day

7 SETS OF PUSH-UPS normal expanded diamond OTHER WORKOUTS sprints “up down” cadence

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Sophomores Anna Nazar and Lucy Costello are starting a food allergy club next year to spread awareness

anna

HALFWAY THROUGH THE bus ride to the 2023 Band Glow Show at SM South, sophomore Anna Nazar’s eyes were swelling up. Her throat started to itch, and she pulled out her phone camera to see that her eyes were red.

Anna immediately called her mom, Kelsey Nazar, and told her that she was having an allergic reaction but didn’t know what had caused it. After getting off the bus at SM

HOW TO USE AN

EPIPEN

A step-by-step guide on how to use an EpiPen

STEP 1 STEP 2

get out your EpiPen remove the cap of the EpiPen press the EpiPen with the cap off into upper thigh STEP 3

positive REACTION

story by grace pei

South, her mom picked her up. At the time, their typical plan for a minor reaction was to go home, take Benadryl — a medicine that helps treat allergy symptoms — and let the reaction pass.

But as they approached an intersection between Children’s Mercy and their house, Anna’s throat began to tighten up.

“Hey Mom, turn left here, I want to go to Children’s Mercy.”

They were admitted to the emergency room where nurses took Anna’s blood pressure, measured her weight and eventually administered an EpiPen.

Anna has an allergy to soy, a common preservative in processed foods. She was diagnosed with eight allergies as a baby after having an anaphylactic reaction to soy milk, but the rest of her allergies went away on their own throughout elementary school.

“We knew something wasn’t quite right, but we didn’t really know what it was,” Kelsey said.

SOPHOMORE LUCY COSTELLO

took three Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups from the one-pound bag in her kitchen and cut them into halves, eating each half one at a time.

Then she washed them down with orange juice, cringing at the taste of the peanuts, her mind associating them with having an allergic reaction.

“It’s like my brain is telling me it’s gonna kill me,” Lucy said.

She takes her “potion” every other day, nicknamed by her parents so her 7-year-old self — a major Harry Potter fan — would eat them.

Lucy started oral immunotherapy, a twoyear desensitization program, in second grade for her severe peanut allergy. Before starting the treatment, she couldn’t be near peanuts without feeling some sort of minor reaction, though only anaphylactic reaction happened as a baby.

“I thought that was such an amazing thing because I would do anything for her

Anna is starting a food allergy club with sophomore Lucy Costello next school year after getting the idea from her friend, sophomore Halima Talbi. English teacher Kristin Anderson has agreed to be their sponsor.

or al

A medical treatment in which an individual who is allergic to a speci c food consumes an increasing amount of the allergen im mun o ther apy

Anna’s soy allergy caused complications three years ago when she was stranded in the Denver airport for a day and a half with nothing to eat other than the Sun-Maid raisins she dug up from the bottom of her backpack. The only open airport restaurant without food containing soy was a smoothie store that wouldn’t let her order just a cup of fruit.

Additionally, Anna’s freshman year

not to have to worry about every single thing she puts in her mouth,” Lucy’s mom Aislinn Costello said.

When Lucy’s friend, sophomore Anna Nazar, texted her about starting a food allergy club a few weeks ago, Lucy immediately agreed to help.

ana phy lax is

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction

She was already studying allergies for her Multi-Genre Project in Honors English class and was interested in building a community with other students who had food allergies.

There are around 70 students that have reported food allergies at SM East, according to nurse Stephanie Ptacek, and over 40 students have reported anaphylactic food allergies, which are more severe.

“Teenagers with any difference, it affects them,” Nurse Ptacek said. “Everybody just wants to fit in. I mean, not just teenagers, but people. So, yeah, I think it has to be hard

biology class used M&M’s to demonstrate natural selection and she had to wear gloves. This year in her chemistry class, her teacher lit a soy candle, causing her eyes to itch.

Due to the lack of awareness, Anna hopes to create a club social media account to post instructional videos to teach teachers how to use an EpiPen in case of an allergic reaction. She also gives informational speeches about food allergies in her competitive speech competitions.

However, that didn’t stop her peer from telling her the idea was dumb because the issue wasn’t important enough.

“No one makes fun of people with cancer and stuff because that would be weird,” Anna said. “For some reason, food allergies have just kind of become like the butt of a joke, and people think it’s okay to make fun of them.”

to always carry an EpiPen with you or to constantly be thinking about the food that you’re about to put in your mouth.”

Lucy has experienced sitting alone at the tiny allergy-free lunch table in her preschool, so she recognizes the difficulties for schools to accommodate food allergies.

When Lucy was younger, she wouldn’t go to other people’s houses for fear of exposure to peanuts. She was homeschooled through kindergarten and first grade after a kindergarten-welcoming event had laid out peanut candies on the table for the kids.

“It was one moment where I was just like, ‘Oh my gosh,’ because all of the candy that was on the table wasn’t safe for her to be around,” Aislinn said.

Through the club, she hopes to connect with other students who’ve had similar experiences with food allergies.

“There’s people like Anna who, without their allergy, they’re still the same person,” Lucy said. “But they still need to be aware of [their allergy], because it’s life and death for some people, and it’s scary to think that

design by bella broce photos by lila elwood

Recent book releases

Author:

LADYCO

LADYCO is the perfect boutique for all ages looking for timeless clothing and accessories

TUCKED IN BETWEEN

the bustling Brookside Shops, LADYCO offers a wide variety of women’s clothing and accessories.

This woman-owned boutique immediately drew me in with knitted and denim winter essentials piled onto the displays.

Although most of the clothing felt like my mother’s closet, with printed blouses and high-rise jeans galore, some items, like the navy striped sweaters and black turtlenecks, were timeless.

While browsing through the clothes, a table of materials for designing candles caught my eye.

As a candle hoarder, my heart leaped for joy when I saw all my options, from the glass jars to the more than 35 fragrance options.

The candles would be a perfect gift

in the $35 to $45 range, depending on the jar’s design and size. However, each custom candle takes over a month to be ready for pickup, so planning accordingly is essential.

After spending 10 minutes deciding if I needed another candle, I decided against it and moved on to the accessories, which included sunglasses, jewelry and an entire wall dedicated to socks.

The prices ranged from $13 for a pair of Frida Kahlo socks to $42 for chunky gold hoops. Although some items were slightly overpriced, most of the accessories were buy one, get one half off, which was reason enough for me to buy multiple pairs of quality gold stud earrings for about $100.

Even though LADYCO doesn’t market to the teen audience, it still carries adorable pieces for a girl’s night out and accessories for every occasion.

story by caroline beal

TOP At LADYCO customers can make a custom candle by choosing scents, size and the jar. photo by addy newman

ABOVE Clothing like sweaters, dresses and blouses hang from racks around the store. photo by addy newman

BOTTOM A display contains jeans, handbags and other accessories. photo by addy newman

A BRAVE NEW

“Captain America: Brave New World” propels the MCU into an exciting new era of superhero movies story by preston hooker

THE BRAVEST THING

about “Captain America: Brave New World” is its expectation for viewers to remember nearly every single Marvel project that includes Captain America or The Hulk in the past 17 years.

However, what the film lacks in context, it makes up for in entertainment. Coming in at just under two hours — an exceedingly short runtime for a marvel movie — “Brave New World,” released on Valentine’s Day, uses every second wisely. The film proves a constant spectacle, regardless of your Marvel knowledge before entering the theater.

I hadn’t seen the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk” before watching “Brave New World,” so it took a lot more brain-power to determine what was going on in the plot than it should’ve. Though by the end of the film I was fairly certain I got it.

The film starts with Harrison Ford’s character Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross inviting Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, to the White House to ask for his assistance in re-instituting the Avengers. This inquiry is the exact opposite of Ross’s previous intentions in “Captain America: Civil War.” Ross claims to have had a change of heart,

MOVIE

MOVIE

though Wilson is still wary of Ross’s inability to compromise on national and global security issues.

The geopolitical implications of superheroes is a subject that’s been long lost in the MCU, as the last time they were discussed was in 2016 with “Civil War.”

Ford fills the controversial character’s role in place of the late William Hurt seamlessly, while Mackie is put in the spotlight as Sam Wilson, replacing Chris Evans as the new Captain America. Mackie does nothing but deliver, with his character still struggling to find his footing in the shadow of Steve Rogers without any superpowers at all.

The thought-provoking take on morals and limitations of the superabled is brought to life in “Brave New World” with Captain America constantly butting heads with President Ross. Coupled with the focus on U.S.-Japan relations and their power struggle over the new unbreakable element “Adamantium,” the plot reigns as one of the most interesting and engaging out of all Marvel films to this date.

Although the plot is intricate, I believe that adds to its success as an action movie rather than just a superhero movie with a simple hero

COMPARING THE AMERICAS

Looking at the first “Captain America” versus the last

versus villain plot-line.

Additionally, stakes were believable and real — superhero movies tend to rely on large threats for dramatic effect, but you don’t need half the universe to be at stake in order to care about what happens in a movie.

Productionally, I found the lighting, coloring and overall cinematography to be refreshingly vibrant and fun — making the film that much easier to watch and enjoy.

My biggest fear going into “Brave New World” was that it wouldn’t be able to work as a stand-alone film

fun characters and pretty solid performances throughout. I can’t think of anything more to ask for from a Marvel movie.

This premise alone is innately humanizing and relatable for the characters. In a world full of gods among men and countless geniuses, it takes lots of vigor and heart to stand out as a single human being — which Mackie proves to be possible.

Undoubtedly, the film sets up the new and upcoming era of Marvel masterfully. And with numerous imminent projects on the horizon,

First Avenger” -$65 million made on day 1 -$370 million made on day 1 -erratic casting -planned casting -funny moments -serious moments

FEBUARY 24, 2025

AUTOMATIC

The album “Automatic,” by the Lumineers, is a awless collection that connects versatility, meaningful lyrics and addictive rhythms

THE LUMINEERS ARE so back. It’s been two years since their last full release of an original album, and their latest album, “Automatic,” was definitely worth the wait.

Released on Feb. 14, “Automatic” has 11 songs and immaculately combines The

“Automatic,” the title track, for example. The song is laid back and demands a latenight, quiet drive, and it included a catchy rhythm that kept me engaged. This is the perfect kind of song for doing homework or reading. It doesn’t ask for attention or a fully present brain — you can just turn

album. “So Long” starts off with yet another Lumineers classic: a punchy, in-your-face intro. Just five seconds into the song, I already heard the beat drop of guitars and drums, just like their other popular tracks: “Ophelia” and “Cleopatra.”

Because “So Long” was placed as the last track, it felt like The Lumineers’ way of saying goodbye to “Automatic.” They went out with a bang, quite literally, by including a mesh of drums and guitars to form a

Even better than the addictive cadence in “Automatic” and “So Long” were the album’s short songs. Nothing is worse than when a singer jams together trillions of lyrics and choruses to generate a sixwants to listen to an artist drone on and on about the same thing for a hideous amount of time.

So, I was thrilled when I saw that the average song length in “Automatic” is two minutes — contrasting the average hit-song song length of three minutes, according to Vox. The shortest addition, “Strings,” is only 34 seconds of instrumentals. How

The short nature of “Automatic” even allowed me to fully process the deep lyrics that coupled with

Two tracks popped out to me as I listened to the album for the first time — “Plasticine” and “Ativan.” Although I didn’t know the meaning of those words at first, I absorbed the songs and wondered if the seemingly strange titles had ties to the lyrics that touched on

So, I pulled up Google and went down

design by evelyn bagley

a rabbit hole of definitions for these song titles. I found that plasticine is “a brand name for a soft substance like clay produced in different colors,” according to the Cambridge Dictionary. Also, according to Medical News Today, Ativan is a medicine that treats anxiety in adults and children. When looking back at the lyrics of the respective songs “Plasticine” and “Ativan” I saw the deeper meaning behind the presumably straightforward lyrics.

In “Plasticine,” The Lumineers sing about self-identity, including the lyric “Plasticine, I can bend me into anything you need.” In “Ativan” the lyric “If I can’t make you happy, then nobody can” points toward topics of anxiety, substance abuse and depression. I appreciated that The Lumineers exposed prevalent themes of mental health, a trait other folk songs can’t share, by crafting together meaningful lyrics in “Automatic.”

“Automatic” was a flawless release for The Lumineers that left me practically counting down the days until their next album.

Five star ratings for some songs on the album

“So Long” “Plasticine” “You’re All I Got” “Ativan”

photo from imdb story by sophia brockmeier

TAKING ASWIG SWIG

THE HARBINGER

The Utah “dirty soda” chain, Swig, lives up to the hype it receives on social media story by lucy

stephens

TEXAS TAB

THE TEXAS TAB was my vision of the stereotypical Utah “dirty soda” — The type of soda has been advertised on my TikTok and Instagram for months.

To be honest, I didn’t think adding extra sugars and creamers to an already sugary and carbonated soda would improve the soda drinking experience. However, with Texas Tab being one of Swig’s most popular drinks, I knew I’d be missing out if I didn’t try this take on soda — and it was so worth the hype.

THE SHARK ATTACK is an adorable drink for any pool day or summer vacation. The drink has a beachy blue hue and comes with a mini gummy shark to put on top of the bubbly drink — replicating a picture-perfect scene of any hot summer beach day.

The aesthetic of this drink was excellent. Even though the gummy shark added barely any flavor to the actual drink, it was a cute detail that made this simple drink more appealing.

Swig’s lemonade isn’t the average MinuteMaid stuff you get at most restaurants — it has a natural lemon flavor. The blue raspberry

2.5/5

The Texas Tab combines Dr. Pepper, coconut cream and vanilla syrup to create a drink that sends you to the beach — even in the middle of Missouri. The coconut and vanilla flavors are the first things you taste, giving this popular soda a tropical vibe.

Swig’s coconut cream is extracted from coconut pulp and water according to their website, which makes the flavor very authentic, not some over-artificial, sugary flavor that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. It also tasted fresh, like the syrup container

wasn’t collecting dust on a shelf for months on end.

But, this blend of vanilla syrup and coconut cream took away from the Dr. Pepper itself. The soda gave the much-needed carbonation and basic soda taste, but the syrups definitely overpowered the drink.

Overall, the Texas Tab exceeded my expectations of dirty soda and I would consider it a must-try at Swig.

SHARK ATTACK

also doesn’t cancel out the lemon taste either; it unexpectedly compliments the flavor.

The drink gave me flashbacks to third grade as I stood in front of a soda machine attempting to perfect my lemonade-to-Sprite ratio at restaurants and never quite succeeding. Even with the sugary ingredients, I could have drank the whole cup and not felt sick — something my elementary-school soda concoctions couldn’t compare to.

The mix of Sprite, blue raspberry syrup and lemonade was near perfection. A bit more Sprite would’ve been ideal to make the drink more carbonated and more like a soda than a lemonade.

However, the time of year when you taste this drink adds to the experience. It was hard to drink this mix of summer flavors when the temperature was in the 20s and snow was on the ground rather than on a beach chair in a bikini.

Either way, this drink pleasantly surprised me, and when summer rolls around, I’ll definitely order it again.

STRAWBERRY BREEZE

SWIG’S STRAWBERRY BREEZE

was a stunning light pink, bubbly drink with strawberry pieces and looked straight from an Instagram photo. The drink mimics a Starbucks Pink Drink with its strawberry and coconut flavoring, but uses water instead of the Pink Drink’s coconut milk base.

The Strawberry Breeze can be ordered with a base of either plain or carbonated water, not a carbonated soda like the other drinks. This is where my skepticism started. I got the carbonated version but had no idea how water mixed with fruit and sugar-free syrups could be one of Swig’s most popular drinks.

After thoroughly mixing the cup, I was somewhat delighted by the first sip. The coconut flavor overpowered the strawberry flavor, satisfying me as an avid strawberry hater.

The sugar-free syrups also surprised me. Instead of the fake sugar taste most diet sodas have, I could barely tell there was no sugar in the syrups. Not to mention, the calories of the Strawberry Breeze are cut in half compared to Swig’s soda-based drinks.

The carbonation also added to the experience of the drink. The Strawberry Breeze would have been a dull mix of syrups and fruit with just plain water. Going forward, when Swig gives me the option of plain or carbonated water, I’ll opt for the bubbles.

3.5/5

Once I got to the halfway point in the drink the strawberry pieces started picking up in the straw, adding a soggy, unsatisfying texture to the drink.

The drink’s flavor also didn’t last long; it tasted watered down and not flavorful after just a few seconds. This requires you to practically chug the whole cup to get the full experience. I would rather have a drink I can sip on with a lasting flavor than one with a taste that instantly leaves.

The Strawberry Breeze wasn’t bad, but I won’t order it again. I like that Swig includes these “healthier” versions of their drinks, but the average person could skip trying this and not miss out on the Swig experience.

design by sophia brockmeier photos by anastasia flower

3 days until our rival basketball game against SM South

Junior Fina Kessler

scored 20 out of 38 points made in the Girls Varisty Basketball game against

superbowl rundown

game afterthoughts

SCAN ME SCHEDULE

Take a peek at SM East’s athletic calendar for a preview of our upcoming sports events

“ HALLE KLOCKE

SOPHOMORE GAME

I WAS REALLY bummed about the Chiefs losing the Super Bowl. If they had just won this one and gotten the 3Peat, I feel like the pressure would’ve been off them for a couple years, you know? And obviously I wanted a day off of school for the parade.

CATHERINE SULLIVAN

. .

SOPHOMORE HALFTIME SHOW

“WHEN I FIRST watched [the halftime show] with my friends, I feel like kind of picked up parts of it, but I didn’t totally understand it. Then the next day I saw TikToks of people breaking it down and I just think it’s so insane how everything was planned. Like [how] you see his dancers split which represents the flag spliting. Everything was for a reason.

1MAR.

TOP RIGHT Freshman Coco Jones leads the JV dancers at the start of their performance.

photo by lila elwood

BOTTOM RIGHT Senior Luke McCullough competes in the 100 yard backstroke, placing third overall with a time of 1:13.76.

photo by sylvie degalan

photos courtesy of imdb

ABOVE Sophomore Gretchen Anast performs JV hip-hop.

photo by lila elwood

FAR LEFT Junior Stephen Hlobik jumps to make a layup.

photo by alex sajna

design by caroline martucci

DODGING

Sophomore StuCo hosted a dodgeball tournament to collect shampoo and conditioner for Giving the Basics on Feb. 8

HYGIENE

DODGINGFOR HYGIENE

LEFT Sophomores Will Wallace and Arlo Mai call out the referees while watching one of the games. “A lot of people kept trying to cheat and say [that the thrown ball] hit the ball [they were holding], and not them, so we were all pointing out to the refs that it hit them,” Mai said.

LEFT Sophomore Henry Marien-Brovont grabs a ball to begin the first round of the tournament. The event’s theme was Chiefs in preparation for the Super Bowl.

LEFT Shampoo and conditioner donations are collected at the start of the event as an entrance fee. Players donated extra bottles for extra lives in the game. StuCo collected a total of 46 bottles for Giving the Basics.

photo by francesca lorusso

photo by francesca lorusso

photo by zac russell

RIGHT Sophomore Arlo Mai puts eye black on sophomore Collin Stroud’s face before the start of the tournament. Mai and Stroud’s team placed first and received Chipotle giftcards as a prize.

photo by paige bean

RIGHT

Ava Slocum throws a dodgeball at an opponent during the first round of the tournament. “I really like competitions and beating people, so I wanted to [participate],” Slocum said. Slocum’s team placed third.

photo by

SCAN ME

FROM FRIENDS

NEW COACHES TO THE FIELD

All played Division II lacrosse at Rockhurst University

Assistant coaches Marysa Barnhill and Catey Roux both played in the attacker position in college

Kelly Marion got the head coach position and asked her friends to coach with her

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

by lyla

BONDING, STRENGTH & STABILITY

WHAT WOULD YOUR spirit animal be?”

As they stretched on the floor of the weights agility room, the girls went around in a circle and shared their answers. Senior Gia Tuso listened as some picked dogs, a couple opted for cats and when it was her turn, she chose a meerkat.

“ BONDING, STRENGTH

Stretching is a must before the athletes start their pre-season soccer conditioning after school. But simple things like the question of the day —whether it’s about spirit animals or places they’d like to visit — help the girls bond and get ready for the upcoming season.

“[The conditioning] is pretty fun, I feel like nobody’s taking it to a super serious level,” Tuso said. “Even Coach Kelly can joke around too sometimes, like he’s focused of course, but having fun with it too. We can make it a positive environment while we’re still getting some good work in.”

The conditioning sessions are open to girls of all grade levels to help prepare them for tryouts starting on March 3 and the upcoming season. The sessions typically last about an hour after school every day. The girls do their workouts wherever possible, whether that means jogging through empty halls, sprinting up and down the ramps or doing core workouts in the cafeteria.

Tuso started going to conditioning sessions during her freshman year. This year she’s tried to attend as many sessions as possible.

“I want to have the best preparation for the season as I can, like previous years, I just want to make sure I’m showing up and proving that I want to be on the team and want to have a spot,” Tuso said. “A couple other friends have been coming as well, so it’s been fun to work out with them as a group too.”

Freshman Carmen Carroll first learned about the conditioning sessions

through a pre-season soccer meeting. Carroll was hesitant at first because she didn’t know who would be there or what exercises they would be doing, but after she went to one, she started going 2-3 times a week.

GIVE IT YOUR all and show up to everything that you can, and just try to work as hard as you can. If it doesn’t work out exactly how you want it to, it’s okay. You just have to push yourself.

GIA TUSO SENIOR

“After I tried it out I realized it was fun, but also really helpful, so I kept going,” Carroll said. “It helped me stay more committed, and we were doing things, some that applied to what we would be doing at tryouts, things like cardio and strength.”

The conditioning sessions are more than just a physical boot camp for freshmen like Carroll; they help freshmen get comfortable around their future teammates. Amidst the rhythmic pounding of feet in the hallways, laughter can be heard echoing during water breaks and animated conversations flow as they jog side by side. They’re not just breaking a sweat—they’re building friendships.

“I feel like everyone just tries to maintain a positive attitude and not get down about what we’re doing,” Tuso said. “We just hang out while working out. I haven’t gone to conditioning yet and had a negative atmosphere, or anybody be upset about us doing our workouts or anything.”

The conditioning sessions are also some of the only times before tryouts when players can interact with head

photos courtesy of the hauberk story by luciana mendy

The girls soccer team is preparing for the upcoming season with conditioning that builds team chemistry and allows the underclassmen to get used to the program

coach James Kelly.

“I had seen him at different soccer meetings and things, but the conditioning is really the first time I actually talked to him and actually got to know what he’s like,” Carroll said. “He’s a really fun guy.”

Kelly often oversees the inside workout sessions but when the weather is nice enough the girls will scrimmage outside. Due to the rules of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, Kelly cannot be present while the girls practice “sport-specific” skills so it’s up to the upperclassmen to organize the games.

Senior Sophia Beedle hasn’t been able to participate in conditioning this year due to a torn ACL, but she remembers how helpful the outdoor sessions were for her when she was an underclassman.

“They made me a lot less nervous because you get to know the girls and the upperclassmen as well,” Beedle said. “It’s also coachless and more captain-led so there’s less pressure, for sure.”

The girls typically play on different teams during the fall club season, so they don’t have much experience playing with each other. The outside sessions not only help the girls maintain technical skills, but according to Carroll, they also introduce underclassmen to the intensity of the older girls’ play.

“It’s definitely shown me the different styles of play that people have and the different levels of play that there can be,” Carroll said. “I do feel like getting to play with the girls has made me more confident for tryouts though. I feel like I know what I’m getting into now.”

WEEKLY WORKOUTS

Workouts the players follow to maintain and build their strength for the upcoming season

CORE

Crunches

Push ups

Flutter Kicks

Sprints Running through the school

story

by

sophie bruner

PHOG FALLING

AFTER WINNING FOUR

NCAA National Champions titles and making it to 16 Final Fours, the University of Kansas is well-recognized for its men’s basketball team. However, this season, the Kansas Jayhawks have had back-to-back losses, making their chances of a top seed unlikely.

THE JAYHAWKS

have not been playing much like a team recently. I think teamwork is the most important value when it comes to playing a sport like basketball.

WESTON HARRIS

SOPHOMORE

Sophomore Weston Harris has attended 10 KU basketball games this season. Being a basketball player himself since he was three, says that the KU basketball team’s lack of team effort has largely contributed to their drop in ranking.

“The Jayhawks have not been playing much like a team recently,” Harris said. “I think teamwork is the most important value when it comes to playing a sport like basketball.”

Playing on the JV Basketball team, Harris knows the importance of playing as a team.

Earlier in the season, The Kansas City Star highlighted the specifics about why the Kansas Jayhawks are doing worse than expected compared to last season.

KU had been ranked No. 1 in the country from the start of the season, but has dropped to No. 23 in last week’s Associated Press Top rankings.

From late November to early December, KU has experienced many losses, giving them a rocky start to the season. Both of KU’s losses to their biggest rivals, K-State and Mizzou, have played a significant role in their low ranking.

Sophomore Grant Rogers, a Kansas State fan, was surprised to see KU lose to K-State.

“I honestly did not expect this big of a loss to K-State,” Rogers said. “As much as I do not like KU, it shocked me that they lost. Overall though I am happy about the big win [for K-state].”

KU is known for their prestigious basketball program, according to Sports Illustrated. The KU basketball team has been ranked #1 for seven years, and has built a reputation through consistently winning.

But this year the team’s performance has shocked many people.

RANKING

The KU Jayhawks have been underperforming this basketball season with five major losses and are ranked far lower than in previous seasons

“Even as a K-State fan, I have noticed that KU has not been playing up to their standards, which has caught me by surprise.” Rogers said.

KU fan and basketball player, sophomore Jackson Horn, has been a fan of the team his whole life. Horn believes that Hunter Dickinson, Center for the KU basketball team, has been causing most of the problems for the team.

“As center, I think Hunter Dickison is the player that has caused the most problems for the team this season,” Horn said. “As center he holds a big role because his size and power plays an essential part in his

personal game. If he isn’t using it correctly there can be lots of problems, making it more difficult to score and win the game.”

When shots aren’t falling, Dickinson is the offense’s security blanket, but looking to get him the ball at every opportunity also takes away some aggressiveness from other players, according to the New York Times.

Horn plays center for the boys C basketball team. Through his own experience playing this position, he is able to see the issue within the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team.

In previous years, Bill Self’s Jayhawks might have been ranked No. 1, but now have dropped to 23 due to their lack of teamwork, according to the New York Times.

The Jayhawk’s previous March Madness rankings 2020 1 2021 2 2022 1 2023 1 2024

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

JUNIOR

JUST MERCY

FOR AP LANGUAGE GABBY MARTINI

“I like it but its really sad. It’s a good topic and I’m glad we’re reading it.”

PLANNER

“I try to use it at least every day for school and what I’m doing during the day, it helps me stay on task.”

PENCIL BAG

“I will use [highlighters and pens] when I’m doing notes.”

CROSSWORD

SENIOR

ETHAN BURKHART

DOES ABOUT ONE A DAY

“I do them quite often, I have a lot of free time, especially with the phone policy.”

COMPUTER

“[During my free time] I’ll do work for other classes sometimes, like reading books for English or the New York Times Games, those are nice.”

AIRPODS

LISTENS TO HARRY STYLES

“Before the new policy I would use them about one to two times a day.”

NOTEBOOKS

“I like to use stickers to distinguish between the classes. It also adds a personal touch to them.”

BACKPACK WHAT’S IN YOUR

Check out these students’ school supplies and other essential items that they keep in their backpacks

design by sydney eck

photos by amelie wong