Staley High School, Talon Magazine, Volume 15, Issue 4, May 2023, Kansas City, Mo.

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School

Contact Us

Talon publishes quarterly issues during the school year. Talon will accept letters to the editor in CR202 or at cherie.burgett@nkcschools.org. Before the letter is published, we will need to verify the writer’s identity. Letters may not exceed a length of 350 words. We will not publish letters that are libelous, obscene or that may cause a veritable disruption of the education process at Staley High School. Anonymous letters will be discarded. Advertisers may contact the adviser at cherie.burgett@ nkcschools.org, (816) 321-5330 or at 2800 NE Shoal Creek Parkway, Kansas City, MO, 64156-1313. Opinions expressed in Talon do not express the staff’s endorsement of the products or services. Talon is a member of NSPA, MIJA, Quill and Scroll, JEA and JEMKC.

On The Cover

On the cover: To commemorate the class of 2023 saying goodbye to Staley High School.

Cover art by Grace Winkler

Graphics by Grace Winkler

STAFF EDITORIAL: Talon Seniors Signing Off

Talon Staff Says Goodbye

Dear Seniors, In the past four years, we have had the honor of making 316 pages all about our school, our community and most importantly, you. As our final year in the North Kansas City School District comes to a close, it has given us the opportunity to reflect on our work as a publication. Covering topics important to you all has been the honor of a lifetime.

Our years here have been anything but conventional, but we persevered through COVID-19, virtual learning and the big return. But, while we were separated we were ultimately together through it all. We all share at least one experience from our high school career, and that is something that links us all together.

We have covered topics from vending machines, mask fashion, the famous cafeteria mashed potato bowl and hot topics. Creating each

Talon Staff

Brianne Tremper

Grace Winkler

Alex Bermudez

Elyse Bredfeldt

Lily Carmichael

Aeyika Hatch

Fallyn Kowalski

Beck Marier

Collin McGinley

Reagan Schulz

Joe Smith

Cherie Burgett

magazine has been an amazing experience. We won state and national awards, learned life skills and a lot about teamwork. Our main goal was to represent the student body, and we hope we have achieved that. We wanted every group’s stories to be told.

While our time here has come to an end and we leave these halls onto new adventures and new experiences, it's the start of a new age. It has been an honor writing, designing and creating and advocating for the students of Staley High School.

Signed, Talon Staff

Editor in chief

Editor in chief

Photographer Copy editor

Reporter Reporter

Copy editor

Reporter

Photographer Reporter Reporter Adviser

Cartoon by Grace Winkler

JUSTICE FOR RALPH

BSU Organizes Unity Walk After Junior's Shooting

The Unity Walk was held during W.I.N Time April 17 and took place around the campus. An estimated 1,500 students joined in on the walk which made headlines and news coverage around the world.

“It’s one of the most powerful things I think I’ve seen in my four years as mayor,” Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas said.

Later that day, a press conference and rally was held at the Kansas City Police Department Headquarters with various state politicians, activists and the Yarl family's lawyer Lee Merritt, esq. The goal was to answer the press’ questions and to advocate for justice for Yarl.

“There are a lot of cases here

in Kansas City, probably more than most areas in the region of cases of people who are shot by law enforcement, shot on the streets without accountability,” Merritt said. “Each one of those cases needs advocates. There are websites that list them all. The urban league is a good resource to connect with and each one of those communities; they need their stories elevated. I think that’s the best use of all the student energy and the numbers as well.”

While the case gained worldwide attention, the district kept their sights on supporting students by providing extra counselors to Staley High School and Nashua Elementary, where his brothers attended. They also directed students to teachers who

were trained in restorative circles, according to superintendent Daniel Clemens, Ed.D.

On April 19, the Jazz band held their annual Java Jazz, typically a fundraiser for the band, but this year the funds were donated to Yarl’s church of 10+ years. The band also wore blue in support of Yarl.

BSU also held a town hall on April 26, and the goal of it was to spark important conversations, give students the opportunity to be heard and provide resources for families. They also held a card drive, collecting approximately 2,000 cards for Yarl, and the Asian Student’s Union held events making origami cranes for Yarl, collecting 1,000 paper cranes.

Supporting junior Ralph Yarl, who was shot April 13 while trying to pick up his siblings, junior Samaria Bossell chants at the Unity Walk April 18. The event was planned by the Black Student Union. “The purpose of the Unity Walk was to show that the community and Staley community stand with Ralph, and we don’t believe that what was done to him was right,” Bossell said. Photo by Landyn Goldberg.

Written by Brianne Tremper

Photo by Landyn Goldberg

Snapshot!

Timeline Of Events Through The Last Four Years

Students gather in the Falcon Fieldhouse Jan. 31, to celebrate the Chiefs winning Super Bowl 54, the first time since 1970. Students wore Chiefs gear and the district called off school for a “Red Snow Day” the following week to celebrate the win at the parade downtown. Photo by Grace Cress

During the homecoming game Oct. 10, Remy Asta was crowned queen and is hugged by peers. As the world battles COVID-19, students find ways to resume typical school activities. Students attended school hybridly and were required to wear masks. The district also offered virtual school options. Photo by Cayla Palmer

“Grease,” the musical was performed in the PAC Nov. 19. Senior Lucas Van Keirsbilck (Doody) plays the guitar and sings with Drew Mangold (Danny) and the Pink Ladies. The show went on for three nights. Photo by Alex Bermudez

After junior Ralph Yarl was shot trying to pick up his twin brothers, the Black Student Union organized a Unity Walk April 18 to show support for Yarl and bring the school community together. The event brought together almost 1,500 students and faculty, and Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas also attended. Photo by Fallyn Kowalski

Written by Reagan Schulz Graphics by Grace Winkler

Decisions, Decisions ...

College Admissions Decisions Shared

When applying to colleges, admissions officers usually look at GPA, teacher recommendations and college essays, as well as extracurricular activities. A primary factor in college acceptance comes down to the number of students colleges can admit each year. According to U.S. News and World Report, admissions offices have to leave open certain spots for specific categories of students. This includes ensuring a mix of genders, in-state and out of state, as well as academically diverse students. Three seniors share colleges they didn’t get accepted to versus the one they are attending.

Written by Fallyn Kowalski Graphics by Grace Winkler

Jerrilyn Phillipi, 12

Cayla Palmer, 12

Mason Baugh, 12

"Mizzou was the only one I got into. On top of that, I did get a full ride, which is nice, so it probably would’ve ended up being a high contender just on that fact anyways."

"They just had a lot of opportunities that I could try out and put myself into. I feel like the other colleges didn’t offer as much."

"I'm most excited to start living on my own, separate from my hometown."

Words

“High school has been a rollercoaster. You have ups and downs. You make friends and lose friends, but overall you make great memories.”

“Four years of learning, growing and experiencing life alongside your friends and teachers while figuring out how you want to impact the world.”

Ellie Brown, 12

Breanne Garstang, 12

Seniors Summarize

Summarize High School In 23 Words

12

“I've been counting down the days until school is over, but now that it's finally here, the reality and responsibility is setting in.”

“My high school career started off kind of rocky, but once I transferred I met the most amazing people and made wonderful memories.”

Christal Cooper,

Malary Scaggs, 12

Graphics by Grace Winkler

Endless Possibilites

Post High School Plans Shared

When thinking about what to do after high school there are a multitude of options to consider. These seniors share what they are doing after they graduate.

Senior Camden Dickey is going into training to be a firefighter. He already attended the Northland Career Center fire science program and earned awards, including Student of the Year for the fire academy. He will be in training to get certified in firefighting and have other training in EMT work.

“I have always enjoyed helping people, and I feel like it is my calling, so I am following through with it,” Dickey said.

Senior Connor Boone said he is going straight to boot camp to go on active duty for the U.S. Marines. Boone said he was looking forward to his new career.

“Starting a new career, meeting new people, having a different lifestyle,” Boone said.

Written Lily Carmichael

Senior Madison Clark hoped to join the workforce, get a full-time job and move out of her dad’s house.

“I'm getting a job and planning to move away from home,” Clark said, “I plan on working at a convenience store.”

Joining the workforce, senior Daniel Skillman planned to work a full-time job as well as creating a portfolio to eventually become a graphic designer.

“I chose this path because I was quite honestly unsure about college and not fully ready to commit to anything,” Skillman said.

Camden Dickey, 12

Connor Boone, 12

Madison Clark, 12

Daniel Skillman, 12

Under The Big Top

Martial Artist Hopes To Join Circus

The circus is a place full of excitement, captivating audiences of all ages with its acrobatics, daring feats and unforgettable performances. The idea of running away to join the circus may be seen as nothing more than a childhood fantasy, but for one high school senior, it is a dream he is determined to turn into a reality.

“I want to join the circus because I feel like it’s so unique and not something I can see myself getting bored with over time,” Redmon said. “It just seems like such a fun job with experiences not a lot of other places can offer you.”

In 2020 on a trip to Las Vegas to see his grandparents, senior Izaac Redmon visited the Las Vegas Circus Center, which created the spark of interest that made him want to pursue it as a career. There, he got to meet with people from Cirque du Soleil.

“They had a training camp that I got to do for about a month, and I thought that it was really interesting and something

that I would like to do as an occupation,” Redmon said. “I also got to meet a few stunt doubles at the circus, and their stories drew me to want to work in that particular field.”

To get into this training camp however, Redmon couldn’t just walk in; he had to prove to judges that he deserved to be there.

“The judges told us to do a trick and not elaborate to see if we could do it or how we would interpret the trick,” Redmon said. “For example, a back one and a half. If you did a backflip with a full rotation, then you showed them that you knew how to do that certain trick.”

When he was 6, Redmon started participating in Tae Kwon Do, and he planned to use the skills he learned in lessons to fulfill his dream of being a stunt double in the circus.

“I used to watch a Disney show called ‘Kickin’ It’ and thought it looked cool, so I just started taking lessons and eventually got to today,” Redmon said. “Now, I have a third degree black belt

and have become internationally ranked which has been one of my biggest accomplishments and was one of my proudest moments.”

However, with this unique pursuit in life, Redmon has dealt with some challenges.

“I want to learn how to do all these tricks and things, but it’s hard to do it in Kansas City because they don’t really have anywhere to practice or any training centers,” Redmon said. “I could go to a trampoline center or something, but it’s not really the same as when I have somebody direct or coach me on how to do all of this stuff in an actual training center. That’s why moving to Las Vegas would be a big goal of mine.”

The circus has always been a place of wonder, excitement and danger. For those who have a passion for pushing themselves to their limits and thrilling audiences, it can be the ultimate destination.

Written

Photos courtesy of Izaac Redmon

by Sophie Cable Graphics by Grace Winkler

SENIOR SUPERLATIVES

Most Likely To Win A Grammy

Marc Tuduran and Heath Martsching

Most Likely To Be A Pro Athlete

Kyan Evans and Kayden Fish

Most Likely To Change The World

Future Business Owner

Kiyoko Nakano and Cayla Palmer

Landyn Goldberg and Lucas Van Keirsbilck

Future World Traveler Most Likely To Be A Famous Author Best Artist

Most Likely To Be On Saturday Night Live

Most Likely To Be A Social Media Influencer

Most Likely To Win An Oscar

Gabriela Hejde and Spenser Nash Hamza Abu and Spenser Nash Eden Pfannes and Grace Winkler

Brianne Tremper and Heath Martsching

Bella Cascone and Alissa Hadjian

Alex Lopez and McKenna Dubes

Painting With A Wide Brush

Artists Share AP Art Themes

Topic: How To Show Art Is Everywhere And All Art forms Are Intertwined

“What surprised me about this project is the sheer amount of ideas and inspiration I have found in all the art,” Pfannes said.

Her art pieces were mixed media, with a focus on paints.

“One of my first projects is an inked monochromatic piece that is only drawn with words,” Pfannes said. “Whereas my largest piece is an acrylic painting with coyote fur and bones sewn onto and glued to the canvas.”

Topic: How One’s Environment Affects Development And Identity

Gale’s AP art portfolio theme and AP Research topic were connected. “It was about how media portrayal affects the development of masculine gender identity and expression,” Gale said.

The pieces center on young people in environments that could affect them or depictions of scenes that show the way one’s environment impacts them.

“One of my pieces I used watercolor collage to create a scene where a baby is being raised in a room filled with media and online influences,” Gale said.

Topic: How To Express Different Cultural, Religious and Human Beliefs Through Art

Maxwell’s AP Art portfolio concept was prompted by existential curiosity.

“I have been really interested in what happens in the afterlife,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell’s project broadened from the original concept.

Madi Maxwell, 12

“Instead of just it being about the afterlife and spiritual things, it's come to a term of cultural beliefs about different colors and experiences we have,” Maxwell said.

Written by Elyse Bredfeldt Graphics by Grace Winkler

Eden Pfannes, 12

Wesley Gale, 12

... Are You Ready For It?

Swiftie Ranks Albums

It’s no secret that I love Taylor Swift’s music. Not a day goes by where I don’t listen to at least one song of hers, I have a Taylor Swift tattoo, with plans to get more. I spent all day Nov. 15 trying to get tickets to the Eras Tour before securing tickets to her concert in Nashville, Tennessee, May 5. However, some of her albums are better than others. Here is my official ranking.

Debut Fearless (Taylor's Version)

Red (Taylor's Version) Lover Midnights Reputation

“Evermore” is the sister album to “Folklore,” and among the Taylor Swift fandom it is a common joke that it's her least favorite album because it did not receive as much promotion. This leads to people not taking the album seriously. But this album has the most devastating track five in her discography, "Tolerate It."

This album changed the course of pop music. She reinvented herself from a country star to a pop star and did it in a completely original way. She didn’t copy off of anyone, which is something that has become increasingly popular in pop music.

3 2 1

“Folklore” was an album nobody saw coming. It was her first surprise drop, and she mastered it. This album has no skips, and picking a least favorite was difficult. This album has had a profound impact on my life. I listened to it for two years, and on my 18th birthday I got a “Mirrorball” tattoo. "Folklore" was an instant classic.

Speak Now

Written

by Brianne Tremper Graphics by Grace Winkler

Photos by Brianne tremper

Leaving A Legacy

Award Given To Senior Honors Scholar Bowl Alumni

The Trenton Boone Scholar Bowl award was given April 26 in memory of alumni Trenton Boone, who died of brain cancer in the fall of 2021. The award is given in honor of his legacy and dedication to Scholar Bowl.

Former Scholar Bowl coach Jairus Tapp coached the team for six years. He created the award.

“He was a really dedicated kid who loved Scholar Bowl for all the right reasons, who was an excellent teammate,” Tapp said. “Last year, my last year at Staley, I created the award to honor a student on the Scholar Bowl team who embodied his spirit and the way he was as a teammate, his ethics and ethos.”

Tapp said his original idea for the award was to have a plaque in the school, but he decided to have something the chosen student could take with them instead.

“I decided that I would rather have the player be able to take a piece of Trent home with them in that way, " Tapp said. “That plaque doesn’t live at school, instead it lives with the kid.”

Scholar Bowl coach and English teacher Melissa Camarda said to determine the award recipient they look for dedication, leadership and commitment.

“They come to practice, they go and play,” Camarda said.

”They want what is best for the team,” Camarda said. “It’s given to someone we think is the heart of the team, because he was the heart of his team when he was here.”

Tapp said Boone was the kind of kid you wanted to coach or teach.

“He was beyond just a good player, because he was. He was just so much fun. He was just one of those kids where you loved having him at practice because if he didn’t know the answer he was always happy for people that did .He played with a lot of excitement, and just so much positivity,” Tapp said.

Camarda said it was hard to choose this year's award recipient because the team had a lot of seniors.

“The senior that we chose just

kind of bubbled to the top as far as somebody that’s been dedicated all year long and has really been present and available for practices and tournaments and been a leader,” Camarda said.

This year's Trenton Boone Award was given to senior Brianne Tremper. She said she felt honored to receive the award.

“It’s important that they have it, to keep his memory going,” Tremper said. “It's just crazy that I was selected.”

Tapp hoped the award would continue throughout the years.

“I hope it keeps going for a long time because he really was a special kid who I think about a lot,” Tapp said. “He was just one of those people who I think gave me a lot of perspective on my own life.”

Written by Fallyn Kowalski Graphics by Grace Winkler

The Final Score

Seniors Go Out On Top

Four years. Four district championships, and one state title. Seniors Kyan Evans and Kayden Fish were two key players to each run during their high-school careers.

They were district champs in the 2019-2020 season, but the run was cut short just before the state tournament due to the increased spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The next year, 2020-2021, the team made it through districts but lost to Liberty High School in sectionals, the score was 66-53. Prior to the 2021-2022 season, then-junior and now senior Cameron Manyawu transferred into the school and further developed the integrity of the team.

“It was really good for me,” Manyawu said. “The guys were all accepting, and they helped me find my role. And when I found that role, I got into it and

did it the best I could.”

This led to the deepest run for the men's team prior to the 2023 season, where they had a final four appearance that ended in a 53-43 loss to Nixa High School but was followed by their third place win over Chaminade High School. The conclusion to the grind came with the state championship this year where seniors Kyan Evans, Kayden Fish, Cameron Manyawu, Jared Lee, Larry Parker, Deon Burtin and Aidan Winnike earned the state title.

Due to his success this season, Evans was nominated as a Gatorade player of the year, Class 6 player of year and earned the DiRenna award which is given to the best basketball player in the K.C. Metro Area.

“It's a great feeling ending out my high school career with those accolades and a championship,” Evans said.

Evans, Fish and Manyawu were honored with Class 6 All state honors.

Written by Joe Smith

“Just grateful to be able to do it with my teammates.”

Photo Courtesy of NKC Schools Twitter

Larry Parker III, Kayden Fish, Cameron Manyawu, Aiden Winnike Jared Lee, Cyrus Jackson, Deon Burtin, Kyan Evans

12

High School

Wrapped Songs That Define High School

"Yes I'm Changing," by Tame Impala "Home," by Resonance

"Moments where you just have to take a step back, moments you think about while scrolling through your camera roll. You think about moments when you see something that reminds you of times where you were with the people you care about."

"It’s a great song. Bit of an odd choice. I totally understand that, but it puts me at peace and so does high school, and here we are now graduating. I don’t know when this comes out; you're reading it now though. It's a great song.”

Ruky Ogolor,

Jayden Rivas, 12

Kyla Nguyen, 12

"Mr Brightside," by The Killers

‘Mr. Brightside’ is always a song that I request to play at any dance because of the way it makes me feel and how it reminds me of high school. Beginning of high school reminds me of the intro, kind of starts with a bang but it’s not the peak of the song. Senior year reminds me of the peak where you get that feeling of letting loose.

"American Pie," by Don

McLean

“It’s about growing up and maturing and then changing the turbulent world.”

Heath Martsching, 12

Libby Hihath, 12

"Scott Street," by Phoebe Bridgers

“The line ‘Don’t be a stranger’ means a lot to me. And I hope that 10 years down the road it makes me think back on the amazing memories I had in my four years here.”

"Young Dumb and Broke," by Khalid

"Yes, we have our lives to live and do so much with, and we don’t know everything, but everything we do is for a reason. We have so much to give the world, and we do it because it felt right at the moment. Also, I feel young, dumb and broke."

Sophia Miles, 12

"Vienna," by Billy Joel

"It’s about moving on, and there’s greater things in the world, but at the same time it’s not encouraging you to push yourself into it before your time.”

Zoe Williams, 12

Graphics by Grace Winkler

Clocking out

Senior Talon Staff Members Say Their Goodbyes

majorOverthelastfouryears,Ihavehadmany myself,lifechangesandlearnedsomuchabout butsomethingthatremainedconstantwasStaleyHighSchool.IknewthatwhenI enteredthedoorsIdidn’thavetoworryabout ableregularlifetoomuch.IamgratefulthatIwas amazingtospendfouryearsinthisbuildingwith people.Ihavemetsomeofthekindest, Ifunniestandmostintelligentpeoplehere.And knowledgeablehavebeentaughtbythemostcompassionate, andempatheticteachers.As TaylorSwiftsaid,“Ihadthetimeofmylife fightingdragonswithyou.”Thankyouforthis foradventure,Staley.Iamsadtoleave,butexcited

Over the last four years I have covered important topics, shared my opinions and highlighted events and other accomplishments within the student body. Being part of this staff since my sophomore year, the magazine has been a significant part of my high school career. While it may not have always been easy, I have truly enjoyed being a part of this publication. All the hard work has been worth it. From reviewing my favorite shows to sharing my opinion on the remake of “The Little Mermaid” and Disney princesses of color, I hope you have enjoyed all of my work as much as I have enjoyed creating it. This staff was and will always be a family. It is hard saying goodbye, but the time has come.

Signing out,

Fallyn Kowalski

Saying goodbye to Staley is a hard thing to do, but it has allowed me to reflect on all the wonderful experiences I’ve had here. I did not expect to be so involved with the journalism program when I walked into Journalism 1 as a freshman, yet as a senior I’ve spent most of my time in Ms. B's room with an awesome magazine staff working on Talon. I had a fantastic time creating graphics as well as bringing light to topics and stories that were important to the student body. So, thank you for reading our Talon.

“Anyway, don't be a stranger!” -Phoebe Bridgers

Signing off, Grace Winkler

There are a lot of ways to say goodbye. Adios, au revoir, aloha, arrivederci, auf wiedersehen. And still I don’t know that a goodbye in any language would be good enough. Because when you love something the way I love Talon, there won’t ever be enough of the right words to part with it. But thank you are two I do have. Thank you, Talon for allowing me to tell stories that meant something. For expanding my perspective and showing me how much people can surprise you. Thank you Ms. B for encouraging my relentlessly critical editor side. But more than anything, I appreciate the family I found. Whether it was fangirling over Alice Oseman books, work nights, birthdays, award ceremonies or watching Hans wipe out at Disney on Ice, I was so lucky to have those moments.

Elyse Bredfeldt

This is my last year of Talon. I enjoyed taking photos of some cool events and seeing my work published on pages, but the best part of it all was becoming amazing friends with the people not only from Talon but from Legacy and STTV as well – the teachers Ms. Burgett and Mrs. Sobbe too.These are some of the best people that I have ever met in my life. Goodbye, Talon. It was nice while it lasted Ally B out.

Inspo From Teachers

“Just don't rush. Pick something that you enjoy, that you're passionate about; do it to the best of your abilities. A formula for success is you have to be kind to people, being patient, showing each other grace. We live in a world that tends to be easy to criticize, and so I would highly recommend showing grace, kindness – anybody can do it. We have a lot of super talented kids that are going out, and my hope is that they treat people with love and grace.”

Bob

J.D., Social Studies

“It is vitally important that as you go out into the world that you are using your own inner compass to follow your purpose in life, so that means that you really need to understand what it is that you want in the world and not what other people want of you.”

Manabu Takahashi, Art

“OK, class of 2023, my advice to you all would be to be risk takers, go forth, try new things. Do not have that fear that you might regret anything. It will be worth it because you will end up somewhere that you will least expect, and that place is going to be someplace very exciting and very worthwhile.”

“Don’t forget to stop and thank the people who’ve helped you along the way. Oh, and don’t ever refuse free food.”

Melissa Camarda, ELA

“If they’re going to college, I would encourage them to join something or do something they never would’ve. If they're not an athlete, they should really be on the flag football team. Or if they never took any theater classes, that should not prohibit them from taking Acting 101. If they’re not going to college, I would just say don’t decide not to join something or check something out because it doesn't have ‘your people.’ You never know when you're going to meet the person that has the largest impact on your life.”

Buck,

Susan Downey, French

Carol Toney, Gifted

Teachers Share Wisdom With Graduates

Once Upon A Prom

After being crowned at the “Once Upon A Prom” themed dance April 8, king senior Caleb Leonce and queen senior McKenna

Dubes danced to “Flowers,” by Miley Cyrus. Prom was held at Courtyard by Marriott in Briarcliff.

“At first I was shocked my classmates voted for me to be their queen,” Dubes said. “It felt special, and they made it a memorable night for me.”

Leonce was crowned with a LED light crown, Leonce said his favorite song of the night was "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen.

“It felt so great,” Leonce said, “dancing was my favorite.”

During prom April 8 at The View at Briarcliff, senior McKenna Dubes is crowned prom queen. The theme was "Once Upon a Prom." “I felt grateful for my classmates who voted for me. It's something I'll remember forever,” Dubes said.

Photo by Keeb Castro Waving a traditional fan during the prom assembly in the Falcon Fieldhouse April 7, senior Jenna Reukmuang performs with the Asian Student Union. Fan dances were a traditional part of Asian culture. “It was really fun,” Reukmuang said. “It showed people our traditional culture as Asian people. I think now they know more about Asian culture.” Photo by Cayla Palmer

Making his entrance at the prom assembly April 7 in the Falcon Fieldhouse, prom king candidate senior Caleb Leonce poses at the end of his handshake. He was escorted by senior Lizzie Boehm. Leonce was crowned prom king April 8 at the dance. Photo by Cayla Palmer

Photo Gallery: Once Upon A Prom

Dancing in a circle during prom, senior Nadine Osborne is with junior Anna Boes and seniors Zoe Williams, Sophie McCann and Charlie Beecher. Osborne said the music could’ve been better, but her favorite song was "Downtown" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. “The best part was definitely dancing,” Osborne said. Photo by Izabella Berger

With her friends April 8 during prom at The View at Briarcliff, senior Ellie Brown dances with junior Avery Adair and seniors Heath Martsching and Kyla Nyguen. Brown said she enjoyed prom. “It was fun,” Brown said. “My favorite part was getting ready with my friends and dressing up.”

Berger

Photo by Izabella

Senior Larry Parker III, Cameron Manyawu, juniors Annalise Stepp and Regan Williams

Seniors Hayden McNallan and Dontez Carr

Seniors Thai Nguyen, Zach Berg, Hailey Herman, Timmy Vo, Caroline Ray and Junior Mia Brunk

Seniors Rylee Proudfit and Lillian Burwell

Spelling It Out

Across

4. Where 'Grease,' 'Footloose' and 'Little Shop of Horrors' were performed

6. Coach Chris Neff's signature chant

7. Event to be held May 18 at Hy-Vee Arena

Down

1. Telling the story of the year since 2009

2. School Mascot

3. An admin with a lot of school spirit and cool shoes

5. State champion basketball team's Twitter handle

8. Where the football team plays

Written by Brianne Tremper

Graphic by Grace Winkler