STALEY
TALON Senior Issue CLASS OF 2022
Staley High School Kansas City, Mo. Issue 5 Volume 14 May 2022
Best Albums Of High School 6-7 How Senior Gifts Are Chosen 14 Senior Summer Bucket List 24
STALEY ORIGINALS SAY GOODBYE P. 12-13
Hannah Moore
Editor-In-Chief, Ads Manager
Humberto Bermudez Photographer
Alex Carroll
Charlie Warner
Editor-in-Chief, Copy Editor
Reporter, Photographer
Fallyn Kowalski
Reporter, Columnist
TALON STAFF
Mariah Wilson
Brianne Tremper
Managing Editor
Grace Winkler
Photographer, Graphic Artist
Reporter, Designer, Graphic Artist
Cassie Ford
Elyse Bredfeldt
Managing Editor
Copy Editor
Beck Marier
Aeyika Hatch
Staff
Staff
Cherie Burgett, Adviser Jackie Uptegrove, Student Teacher
On the cover, the class of 2022 is graduating soon, saying goodbye to Staley High School as they move onto the next chapter of their lives. Photo Illustration by Cassie Ford
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
9 FEATURE Explanations Behind College Majors 14 15 16-17 FEATURE FEATURE FEATURE How Senior Senior Artists Award Given Gifts Are Select Their For Foreign Chosen Best Work Language Mastery 22-23 19 FEATURE 20-21 24 SPORTS Cross Country SPORTS FEATURE Seniors Listed Students Seniors Run Explain College Senior Bucket Together Since In Sports Sports Choices List Middle School 4-5 NEWS Timeline Of Big Events Over The Last Four Years 12-13 FEATURE Staley Original Staff Retiring
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6-7 OPINION Warner's World
Talon Issue5 Volume 14 Table Of Contents
8 FEATURE Students Going Into The Military
10-11 FEATURE Seniors Write Letters To Freshmen Siblings 18 FEATURE Students Attending Vocational Schools
SENIOR LETTER: FOR STALEY NEWS THIS HAS BEEN... Letter From Senior Editorial Board
Dear Fellow Seniors,
were lifted, we got to have a prom and we got to have a normal senior year, or as normal as we could get. We have done our best to do this publication justice by covering the important events, the academics, sports and extracurricular achievements, student rights and school news, popular entertainment and cool places you should all know about. Journalism this year as a program has accomplished so much, with many student journalists who brought home regional, state and national honors for print and broadcast. For us, it is a big deal that the work we do for our student body gets recognition outside the walls of Staley High
Time really has flown by. It feels like just yesterday we were leaving school for spring break in 2020. Never would we have thought that much of the next two years of our high school careers would be spent in Zoom calls and Teams meetings. COVID has made getting through the last two years a great challenge to be faced physically and mentally, but we made it. We pushed through the hybrid learning, mask-wearing, political turf wars and Capitol riots, dreadful essays and AP exams, e-Hall Passes and Enriching Students schedules. We got through it all. The mask mandates
School. While it's hard to think we will not be returning in the fall, the rest of our lives await – from college to careers, family and more memories to make. It has been a great pleasure to cover you all over these few short years, and it has been fun to share the memories we captured for everyone to remember. Sincerely, The Senior Editors, Cassie Ford, Hannah Moore, Charlie Warner
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 with a photo identification. 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. Letters must be signed. 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, MIPA-MJEA and Quill and Scroll, JEA and JEMKC.
OUR SOCIALS: StaleyNews
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Seniors Hannah Moore, Charlie Warner, Cassie Ford
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For more stories, videos and photos, visit StaleyNews.com
Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 Editorial
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BLAST FROM THE PAST Timeline Of Big Events Over The Last Four Years
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et’s take a look back at historical events in politics, pop culture, sports and more that occurred in the four years the class of 2022 was in high school.
Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg starts protesting in front of the Swedish parliament, skipping school to advocate for climate change.
AUG. 20
Video-sharing based social media platform TikTok became available after merging with Musical.ly.
Written by Charlie Warner Graphics by Mariah Wilson
JAN. 25
AUG. 2 APRIL 15 Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris caught on fire, destroying the roof and spire and damaging windows and ceilings.
JUNE 9
Opportunity Mars rover mission ends.
The 35-day government shutdown over a dispute regarding funds for a border wall ends.
FEB. 13
Protests occurred in Hong Kong against a controversial bill that would allow Hong Kong to hand over people convicted of crimes in China to the Chinese government.
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President Donald Trump was impeached for the first time by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
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DEC. 18
NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash.
JAN. 26
FEB. 2
SEPT. 18 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died due to complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV 31-20 against the San Francisco 49ers.
MARCH 11
MAY 25
Police officer Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd, an Black man in a police encounter over the alleged use of a counterfeit bill in Minneapolis, Minn., sparking protests against systemic racism and bringing the Black Lives Matter movement into the light. Three officers who didn’t intervene were eventually found guilty on federal charges, and Chauvin was sentenced to 22.5 years for the murder.
COVID was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
JAN. 20
The United States rejoined the Paris Climate Accord and World Health Organization.
A mob of Trump supporters protesting the outcome of the election led an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in efforts to prevent confirmation of votes for Vice President Joseph Biden. The United States withdrew the U.S. military from Afghanistan to end the ongoing war on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.
JAN. 6
NOV. 3 Former Vice president Joseph Biden won the presidential election against president Donald Trump.
SEPT. 11
NOV. 12
Musician Neil Young removed his discography from Spotify in protest of COVID misinformation being spread on podcasts, specifically “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
Pop star Britney Spears gained freedom from a conservatorship.
Actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage at 94th Academy Awards in defense of a joke made about his wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith.
Inflation hit 8.5%, the highest it has been in 40 years, due to war in Ukraine, COVID pandemic and supply chain issues.
APRIL 19
JAN. 26 MARCH 27
Russia invaded Ukraine in an effort to overrun Ukraine and depose its government in an effort to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.
FEB. 24
Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 News
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WARNER’S WORLD: FAvorite Albums From high school A Ranking Popular Music Released 2018 - 2022 s the seniors get ready to graduate, I decided to look back on my favorite albums that came out each year of high school. These were my absolute favorites, which weren't always the most popular. I looked at albums that were widely popular, big moments in pop culture and significant to our high school experience. Plenty of fantastic albums
have been released since August 2018, so I decided to include three honorable mentions per year. I also chose albums that came out during the school years, excluding June and July releases. Written by Charlie Warner Graphics by Grace Winkler
FRESHMAN YEAR: “Swimming” by Mac Miller “Swimming” by Mac Miller was the last album Miller released before passing away in September 2018. His death was shocking and heartbreaking and was one of the most impactful celebrity deaths for me. The music on this album is some of the best Miller released. Songs like “Hurt Feelings” and “Self Care” showcase Miller in a peak performance of his typical sound. “What’s the Use?”
and “Small Worlds” feature Thundercat on bass and John Mayer on guitar, respectively. They are two of my favorite tracks because of their exciting features. This album shines in the tender moments on songs like “Perfecto” and “2009.” “Swimming” has aged incredibly well, with many bittersweet moments that foreshadow Miller’s premature death.
SOPHOMORE YEAR: “The Slow Rush” by Tame Impala
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Sophomore year is such an ambivalent memory. I was beginning to drive; February saw the release of some of my favorite albums of all time, and I was settling into high school. Then the COVID-19 pandemic shut school down. One thing many people explored during quarantine was the anomaly of time. Time stopped as everyone had to stay inside, yet it also moved incredibly fast. All of a sudden I’d be a junior, and then a senior. It felt as if my time in high school had been hollowed out in a sense.
Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 Opinion
During this time of introspection, I spent a lot of time with Tame Impala’s fourth album, “The Slow Rush.” A lot of my epiphanies about this time were reflected in the lyrical content of this album. Every song was about time and the album’s name reflected the weirdness of time (The Slow Rush). Apart from this album having some amazing songs like “Borderline,” “Is It True” and “One More Year,” it fits perfectly as an album to describe when time stopped.
JUNIOR YEAR: “Shore” by Fleet Foxes As society adapted to be active during a pandemic, stress was high all around. “Shore” by Fleet Foxes, much like “The Slow Rush,” arrived at the perfect time. Released a month into the hybrid year, it was a breath of fresh air in a trying time. Fleet Foxes sound like walking in the most beautiful forest, and this album brings back that feeling intensely. “Shore” features some of their strongest songwriting, especially on “Sunblind,”
“Featherweight” and “Cradling Mother, Cradling Woman.” Additionally, Fleet Foxes explored new sounds on this album with louder and heavier drums compared to their folkier and lighter sounding drums in earlier albums. The harpsichord on “Going-tothe-Sun Road” makes for a mesmerizing opening to a song that closes with a beautiful verse in portuguese.
SENIOR YEAR: “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You,” by Big Thief
HONORABLE MENTIONS
I first listened to Big Thief when they released “Two Hands” in 2019 and enjoyed it, but I didn’t think too much of it. I saw they released some singles in late 2021 and announced a new album with the wordy title, “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You.” The singles were good, and I quickly became excited for this album as “Spud Infinity” and “Simulation Swarm” (my absolute favorite songs on this album) were released in another slate of singles. I’ve always viewed Big Thief
FRESHMAN YEAR
“ASTROWORLD,” by Travis Scott “IGOR,” by Tyler, the Creator “Pony,” by Orville Peck
as a more mature band, and I feel I have grown as a person, and my taste in music has grown. This resulted in Big Thief’s new album mirroring how I feel at this time in my life. I had high expectations for this double LP, and it delivered. Songs like “Time Escaping,” “Red Moon” and “Little Things” have high energy and are fun. “Change” and “Sparrow” offer quieter moments. Every song on this double album features top-notch musicianship and lyricism.
JUNIOR YEAR “Medicine at Midnight,” by Foo Fighters “Sweep It Into Space,” by Dinosaur Jr. “Sundowner,” by Kevin Morby
SOPHOMORE YEAR “Man Alive!,” by King Krule “It Is What It Is,” by Thundercat “Eternal Atake,” by Lil Uzi Vert
SENIOR YEAR “Absolutely,” by Dijon “Lean Into Life,” by Petey “RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART,” by Vince Staples
Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 Opinion
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CALLED TO SERVE Students Going Into Military After Graduation Written by Alex Carroll
Brianna Norris, 12 U.S. Air Force
Akasha Snow, 12 U.S. Air Force
Andy Lipp, 12 U.S. Marine Corps
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ipp decided to enlist into the U.S. Marines Corps after high school. He said he chose this branch of the military because he wanted to challenge himself and explore more opportunities. “The bootcamp was the longest and the hardest, and I want to challenge myself,” Lipp said. He signed up for electrical maintenance and had to go through the military entry process. “I ended up qualifying for every job, and then I had to go to the military entry processing and do blood work, tests, all that type of stuff to enter into the military.” Bootcamp will be in San Diego, Calif., and he leaves on June 27.
Mathew Webb, 12 U.S. Army National Guard
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ebb decided to enlist in the Missouri Army National Guard after high school. He said he chose the Army because of the educational benefits and he wanted a change. “A lot of it was just the free college aspect of it,” Webb said. “I think there was also a low point in my life where I felt like something I thought needed a change, so I just felt like joining the army was the best choice I could make.” He plans to become a mechanic in the military and to be a pastry chef in his civilian life. Bootcamp will be in Fort Jackson, S.C., and he leaves June 6.
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now plans to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, and she said she’s chosen this path because she has family in the military. “I have a lot of family that are in the military, as well as its got a lot of benefits,” Snow said. “I can do what I love to do and help my country.” She said she wants to work in computer programming or cybersecurity and is excited to pursue that career field. “I’m overall really excited to go into a career field that I’m very interested in as well as within the military,” Snow said. Bootcamp will be in San Antonio, Calif., and she will leave when she’s ready to.
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orris will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., after high school. She is the first female in the school to be accepted into a military service academy. Norris said she has wanted to go into the Air Force since she was 6 years old, so she is very grateful to be accepted. “It felt surreal,” Norris said. “It’s such a long process, and I’m just so blessed and grateful for all my teachers writing me letters of recommendation and my family.” She plans on majoring in business administration and minoring in strategic foreign language. Norris said she was excited to fly airplanes and create bonds at the U.S. Air Force Academy. “I’m just really excited to be a pilot for the Air Force, travel and serve my country doing it,” Norris said.
MAJOR DECISIONS Explanations Behind College Major Choices Interviews by Brianne Tremper Graphics by Cassie Ford
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Josh Schmidtlein, 12
I enjoy building relationships with people and gathering connections. I hope to one day open and manage my own card shop.
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Gabriel Lozano, 12
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BUSINESS
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Kylie Rothberger, 12
I wanted a career where I could be creative with, and interior design is the perfect degree for me and to get a job where I can create spaces for people and help people out within their homes.
INTERIOR DESIGN Ella Bartkoski, 12
I had braces at a very young age, so I was always very interested in dentistry and dental hygiene in general.
I've always loved cameras; I love to film and make videos and share my work with everyone.
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PRE-DENTISTRY
MASS MEDIA PRODUCTION
Jackson Baldwin, 12
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I decided to go into something where I can help with the environment because the main decider for my major personally was I went to Rocky Mountain National Park right after the fires, and I saw all the damage that was there.
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NATURAL RESOURCE SPECIALIST
Bryan Lindsley, 12
I'm doing accounting because I'm good with numbers and I really enjoyed the accounting class here at Staley.
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ACCOUNTING
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Chloe Schumyn, 12
Maryn Long, 12
I’m double majoring in criminal justice and psychology and I chose this because I feel like it has a ton of opportunities in that career field and it's just interested me ever since I was a freshman.
I like helping people. That was the biggest driving force as to why I chose to go into medicine and healthcare, and there are a few family members in my family that are dentists and things. So I know a little bit of medical knowledge too.
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BIOLOGY
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 Feature
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HAND-ME-DOWN ADVICE Seniors Write Letters To Freshmen Siblings Graphics by Grace Winkler
Bree Keaveney, 12 Colin Keaveney, 9 Dear Colin, I am going to miss you so much next year. I am sorry I am leaving you alone to be the center of attention for mom and dad to always have eyes on. I am going to miss playing sports, watching Law & Order: SVU, and singing several songs including “Heat Waves” and “All of Me” while driving to Freddy’s to get dinner. You have been one of the main people I talk to about my problems, and I want to thank you for that. You have been the best brother by always supporting me and helping me when I need it. Now it is time for me to help you. I have several pieces of advice that I have learned over the past four years that I would like to give to you. Number one, DO NOT procrastinate! You will always be behind in high school and stressed if you procrastinate. Number two, go to football games, volleyball games, soccer games, basketball games, school dances, etc. You will miss out on the high school experience if you decide to play video games with your friends instead of going to a game or dance. It will be over in the blink of an eye, and you will regret it if you don’t enjoy it now. Number three, don’t care about what others think of you. The only opinion that matters is yours and high school will be ten times more fun if you stop caring what others think. I just want you to know that I am only a call away. If you need anything next year just dial and I will pick up. I will always have time for my little brother (even though you are not so little anymore). Love, Bree
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Chloe Sheckells, 12 CJ Sheckells, 9 CJ, It’s going to be different, being in high school by yourself without me or Charlie, but don’t let that affect you. You’re a smart, bright, talented kid, with a chance to reach so many of the goals you set for yourself. I don’t know how the rest of your high school career is going to go, all I know is that no matter what happens, you can get through it. You have such a high passion for the things you do, even if you don’t fully realize it. It takes a lot of time and energy to stick with something for all four years of your high school career, but if you really like it, and really enjoy it, it won’t seem like a chore or like you’re being forced to do it. You’re such an amazing brother, student, and friend and I’m so excited to see what high school brings you. I might be in a different state for college but I’ll always be one call away. Sincerely, Chloe
Hannah Wilson, 12 Faith Wilson, 9 Dear Faith, After six years we’re finally in the same school again! Even if I don’t always tell you, I enjoy seeing you during the day, talking with you, and yes, driving you to school isn’t that bad. I’ll miss you so much when I’m at college next year and I’m sure you’ll miss the car ride to school. For this I have two pieces of advice; one: get ready faster so you don’t miss the bus, and two: make friends who can drive. Now, a little bit of advice for next year. I know you want the AP capstone diploma (mostly to outdo me, but whatever), it’s going to take hard work, but I know you can do it. Study for every test and turn in all your homework. What do you have to lose by trying? When you get to AP Seminar and AP Research always keep up with the deadlines (you’ll wish you had listened to me in *checks watch* about two years), and study hard for the national tests. And Faith, everyone tells me that little sisters look up to their big sisters, but I want you to know that I look up to you too. You never let anyone keep you from being yourself and your ability to put absolute faith in people is astounding. You’ve got this! Love, Hannah P.S. You finally got one of my letters! :D
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OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO Staley Original Staff Retiring This year Interviews by Brianne Tremper Photos by Cassie Ford and Selena Escutia
Scott Anderson, Social Studies Q: What is your favorite memory at Staley? A: “My favorite memories are actually two of them. The first is the day our school all came together and did the Lip Dub….our whole school came out into the halls and did it together. It was so fun! My second is the night we won our first conference championship in girls soccer. Lauren Sullivan (Ms. Sullivan, now a teacher/ coach here) scored the winning goal in overtime….it was total pandemonium and jubilation.” Q: What are your plans for your retirement? A: “My plans are to travel a bunch….starting with a family trip to Europe this summer. Then, I want to get a part time job working at the University of Kansas or some Corporate Training Company.” Q: Are you planning on traveling when you retire? A: “I want to travel a lot when I retire. First up is a family vacation (me, my wife and two adult children) are going to Europe for 16 days: Ireland, Scotland, England, France and Switzerland.” Q: How will you be kicking off your retirement? A: “I will kick off my retirement with a party with all my coworkers and former coworkers to celebrate the great career that I had.”
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Jackie Fabert, Custodian Q: What is your favorite memory at Staley? A: “The news when I got chosen to be here at the very beginning and getting to be one of the first pioneers at Staley." Q: What are your plans for your retirement? A: “I'm not sure yet. There are things I do want to do, like travel and see my family who live out of state. I'm also going to volunteer with the Northland Shepherd's Center that helps seniors and possibly a part time job." Q: Are you planning on traveling when you retire? A: “I want to go to Sicily or Hawaii, somewhere with a lot of ocean because I love the ocean." Q: How will you be kicking off your retirement? A: “I have no idea. I haven't really told a lot of people because I wanted to keep a low profile and not seek a lot of attention right away, so it might be a surprise! And I wish everyone a great next school year!"
Pamela Rohlfing, Special Education Q: What is your favorite memory at Staley? A: “Grilling with my students just outside of our area and having Sharon Roberts run frantically into the room to see if we were on fire. We weren’t; the hot dogs were really good!" Q: What are your plans for your retirement? A: “I plan to travel, read lots of amazing novels and sleep really, really late!" Q: Are you planning on traveling when you retire? A: “I would love to go back to Asia. I fell in love with Taiwan when I spent a summer there!" Q: How will you be kicking off your retirement? A: “I plan to travel around the country and reconnect with some of my friends who are also retired. First stop will be San Diego!"
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Leaving A Piece Behind Each Class Leaves Senior Gift Behind
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ach year, the graduating class leaves a lasting mark on the school with a gift. A senior gift is something from the graduating class given to benefit current and future students. The gifts typically add to or improve the school for students. Assistant principal Kevin Kooi has been involved in class gifts since 2015. “I think senior gifts represent a visual representation of that particular class's legacy,” Kooi said. “It just simply indicates to future students, to teachers, admin, patrons in the district, that that class cared about their time at Staley High School.” Representing the senior class, Leadership students meet with administrators to choose gifts.
“We have some ideas as admin, and we work with the kids on their ideas and how we can pull them together,” Kooi said. Senior Andrew Mangold is part of Leadership and said senior gifts are a cool concept. “What’s cool is you can put that face with that project,” Mangold said. “Or you can just think, ‘Oh, that group of people in that year cared for us, to the point to where they gifted us that because they wanted to make this place as cool as it can be.’” The class of 2014 funded the Carillon Bells. Carillon bells are a number of bells that harmonize a song as they are played together. Every Friday at 2:45 p.m., the bells play the Fight Song. Class of 2022 historian senior
MaryPaige Miller said being a part of the decision makes it feel more personal. “It's cool to be on the inside,” Miller said. “If you see it in the future be like, ‘I actually had a part in that; it’s not just my class gift I was actually a part of that process.’” Another class gift included the Bronze Falcon Statue that sits beside the grand staircase. It was a gift from the class of 2012. The falcon lists founding documents of the history of the school. “The point of the Falcon beak is pointing directly a true North, so that’s just kind of a cool symbolism there,” Kooi said. Written by Fallyn Kowalski Infographic by Grace Winkler
Senior Gifts Through The Years
2010 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ALUMNI FOUNDATION
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2011 FALCON PLAZA TABLES
2012 BRONZE FALCON STATUE
2016 OUTSIDE CLASSROOM & PAVILION
2014 DIGITAL CARILLON BELLS
2015 LEGACY WALK
2018 ALUMNI ROCK "S"
2019 EXCELLENCE & CHAMPIONSHIP DISPLAY
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2013 LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
2017 FALCONS NEST
2021 2020 POWER FALCON OUTSIDE OUTDOOR SIGNAGE DISPLAY
ARTISTIC LEGACIES Senior Artists Select Their Best Interviews by Cassie Ford
Emma Williams, 12 "This is a piece I did in 2020. It’s one of my favorites because I used the technique of add doodling for most of it. It was meant to be chaotic and show my mindset while doing virtual school during COVID, and I think it really gets across my thoughts, feelings and struggles of that time in my life in a way that I can’t explain with words."
Nick Fowle, 12 “I was a sophomore in high school when I made this piece of art. I was new to the whole artistic world, and this was one of my first really good pieces. This is my best piece because it gave me the drive to keep making art after it won an award in the UCM art contest.”
Hailey Greer, 12 "Gerascophobia (fear of growing up) is a piece I made in my senior year for AP Studio. In the past I had a hard time making pieces that had meaning, so making this was a nice change of pace and challenge. I enjoyed building the scenery around the music box, especially the subtlety the flowers give and the single red streak surrounding the ballerina. Gerascophobia is a topic that can have many different interpretations to it, but I think I represented it well."
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SEAL OF BILITERACY Award Given For Foreign Language Mastery
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n the class of 2022, just one senior will graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy with distinction – senior Rachel Riley. Riley took French classes for four years. “I liked how it sounded,” Riley said. “For some reason, I was more drawn to it than I was to Spanish.” The Seal of Biliteracy award is granted to some modern language students, certifying the individual is biliterate. The certification can be shown to colleges and future employers. In order to obtain the Seal of Biliteracy, the student must score a 3 or higher on the ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages test, also known as AAPPL. To get the award with distinction, the student must score a 4 or higher on the AAPPL test. Riley said she listened to podcasts while preparing as a way to ingrain the language in her mind. “I’m very proud,” Riley said “It was something that I worked a lot for and that I spent a lot of time preparing for.” Riley’s French teacher Susan Downey said Riley’s willingness to participate contributed to her success in the French program. “Rachel is always engaged and thoughtful about what she is learning and actively seeks to participate,” Downey said. Before this year, there had only been one student to earn this distinction since the program started at the school in the 2018-2019 school year. Riley’s advice to students who would like to achieve the same honor was to listen to podcasts outside of school and be attentive in class. Written by Brianne Tremper Photo by Cassie Ford
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Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 News
The Seal of Biliteracy award is given by the Missouri Department of Education to students who have attained proficiency in a language. In the 2021-2022 school year, 33 of the school's seniors achieved this award: 23 in Spanish, eight in French, one in Korean, and one in Japanese. When students earn this achievement, they receive 12 credit hours of their language class for college. While some students pay for collegiate foreign language credit, the Seal of Biliteracy provides these credit hours at no cost to the biliterate student.
2022 Seal of Biliteracy Senior Recipients
Spanish
French
Mia Alvarez Julia Barbee Anai Buenrosto Samantha Coder Savvanah Collins Patrick Cotton Isabella Dorrington Carson DuRall Selena Escutia Taylor Graham Reagan Hudson Brianna Keaveney Sarah Luke Andrew Mangold Austin Marrag Christiany Miller Kaitlyn Montemayor Evan O’Day Makaela Scott Lawrence “Tucker” Settles Andrew Stauffer Molly Vavak Charlie Warner
Ethan Baltimore Gabriella Coon Gabe Fox Kaci Needham Elyse Payne Rachel Riley Logan Williams Hannah Wilson
Korean Sharon Lee
Japanese Kai White
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TRADING COLLEGE FOR TRADE SCHOOL Students Go To Vocational Schools After High School Written by Charlie Warner Graphics by Grace Winkler
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raduating high school is a large milestone for many students, and with it the question of what to do after high school arises. College is the obvious choice for many, but there are plenty of other viable options. There are trade schools that instead last one or two years. In trade schools, people learn technical skills, then transfer directly into the workforce. Trade schools cover a wide variety of skills and jobs, such as carpentry, computer technology, electrical, culinary arts and welding.
Mía Alvarez, 12
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ne type of trade school is cosmetology school, which ranges from one to two years. It teaches how to do hair, nails, makeup and skincare. Senior Mia Alvarez will be attending Z Hair Academy to get her cosmetology license. “I always knew college wasn’t going to be something for me,” Alvarez said. “I’ve always been really interested in beauty, so it seemed like a good option.” Alvarez said it was slightly difficult to find a hair academy, as there are not as many in the Kansas City area, but learned of Z Hair Academy through friends. “I’m really excited to just learn many different things,” Alvarez said. “I’m taking an additional class to learn lash extensions, and I’m super excited for that. As of right now I don’t know what I want to focus on, but probably hair.”
Seth Bowman, 12
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nother type of trade school is mechanical school. In it, students learn to service and repair different types of cars. Senior Seth Bowman will be going to the Universal Technical Institute, a trade school for auto technicians in Texas. “I’ll mostly just work on cars and anything related to engines,” Bowman said. “I feel like it would be a good challenge for me and wouldn’t be the same thing every day.” Bowman is excited to meet new people since he will be in Texas. “We all will have the same interests,” Bowman said. “I’m looking forward to getting hands on with all of the cars and engines we get to work with.”
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THE FINISH LINE Cross Country Athletes Run Together Since 8th Grade
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eniors are stepping away from what is familiar and moving into something new. While this is a chance to pursue new opportunities, there are things left behind. Multiple cross country senior boys have run together since middle school, making the end of cross country an adjustment. Seniors Drew Atkins, Braydon Cowan, Easton Allwood, Arvin Mahusay, Evan Sarnell, Charlie Warner and Joshua Mormino reflected on the past few years. Runners said they valued the genuine conversations they had. "It's good to have a support group," Allwood said. "When you're running with someone for seven plus miles a day, you have to start talking about something other than how your day was. It's good to talk about something real with someone." That ability to be honest wiht his teammates mattered to Cowan as well.
"It's because of the time that we spend together through a different range of emotions," Cowan said. "We see each other at our lowest and our highest points. We're able to celebrate with each other and also stoop down and pick each other up." One thing that kept the group close was the time they spent togehter outside of practice. Mormino said playing Ultimate Frisbee and swimming at Allwood's pool was his fondest memory over the years. Atkins said he enjoyed when the team would go to Olive Garden before every meet last year and also just when they would watch a movie or do homework together. However, his favorite memory was from this season's state cross country meet. "They all came to support me," Atkins who placed 7th said. "It was really cool to see all of them out there. It really showed me
how much they care about me." Warner said he valued sharing these moments with his teammates as well. "We have a lot of good times together. Any memory could be the best memory if you look back on it with them," Warner said. The runners agreed they would stay in touch in college. Sarnell said all runners in the group had Garmins and would see what runs the others went on. Atkins said the group had a bond that would remain despite distance or time. "I think whatever happens we'll always be able to go to each other," Atkins said. "It's like that friendship that if we don't talk for three years, we'll still be able to pick up where we left off because we've built such a strong bond with each other."
Written by Elyse Bredfeldt Graphics by Grace Winkler Photo by Cassie Ford
Arvin Mahusay Luke Lester Drew Atkins Braydon Cowan Logan Broyles Charlie Warner Kai White Easton Allwood Joshua Mormino Reece Corda Evan Sarnell
Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 Feature
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SENIOR
Coaches Share Team's Senior Photos
ATHLETES
EMERALDS
Graphics by Cassie Ford Photos Courtesy of Coaches
Sofia Cascone Marah Sipes
GIRLS WRESTLING Elena Bedolla Emily Colling Lexi Hatfield Kule'a Grace Chloe Sheckells
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Macy Tauke Kalia Morris Emily Burlington
TRACK AND FIELD
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Kule'a Grace Jazmine Newberry Bryan Lindsley Zach Sherwood An Lam Reece Corda Arvin Mahusay Sam Bishop Kai White Olivia Hubbs Haley Johnson Easton Allwood
Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 Sports
Elijah Baston Tyler Tomlinson Logan Johnson Charlie Warner Giulia Roveda-Campos Alexa Ferris Suzie Silvio Hallee Pham Emily Burlington Evan Sarnell Drew Atkins Noah King
BOYS VOLLEYBALL Gage Moeckel Josh Schmidtlein Nick Tilsworth Diego Vidalez
BOYS WRESTLING David Brooks Quinn Daniels Wim Kupers Andy Lipp William Thomsen Andrew Stauffer Austin Marrah Garrett Warren Jacob Windsor Jackson Murray
BASEBALL Braydon Cowan Chris DeFeo Dylan Grego Ty Hill Drew Mangold Matix Miller Daniel Scott Gavin Siegfried
Braden Tucker Jake Verwers
BOYS GOLF Bryson Oots John Bednar Logan Broyles Justyn Dubes Nick Fowle Jacob Henry Bryson Oots Michael Taylor
Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 Sports
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COLLEGE ATHLETES
Student Athletes Explain Athletic College Choices Interviews by Elyse Bredfeldt Graphics by Grace Winkler
Hannah Wiggs, 12 Kansas State University Q: How do you feel about pursuing rowing in college? A: “I’m very excited. I am going to a sport that I’ve never done before, which is not very common. I’m rowing next year, which is something they teach you when you get there. That’ll be a fun new thing.” Q: Do you think the transition to college athletics will be different or challenging? A: “There’s always a learning curve with any sport that you play. I’m really just excited to be in the atmosphere.” Q: What motivates you to continue pursuing athletics? A: “Having a team, I think, is the best part of it. The athletic challenge is something I always appreciate but really the community that comes with it.” Q: Who has been your biggest supporter athletically? A:“My parents because they’ve paid for everything but also the support that they give me for it.”
Ruby Henson, 12 Kansas State University Q: How do you feel about pursuing soccer in college? A: “I’m very excited. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. It’s going to set me up for the future.” Q: Do you think the transition to college athletics will be different or challenging? A: “It will be challenging because there is a lot of girls who are developed, and it will push me to really be the best I can be.” Q: What motivates you to continue pursuing athletics? A: “My dad and also just how happy it makes me.” Q: Who has been your biggest supporter athletically? A: “My dad and my mom. My dad is my coach, and basically he taught me everything I need to know about mindfulness and my mindset. My mom drives me everywhere I need to be.”
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Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 Sports
Bryson Oots, 12 William Jewell College Q: How do you feel about pursuing golf in college? A: “I’m really excited and looking forward to it a lot. It’s going to be nice to be a part of a team. When I’m going into college it’s really team motivated and it isn’t just about me.” Q: Do you think the transition to college athletics will be different or challenging? A: “I think it’s going to be a lot more competitive. I’ll be pushed a lot more by the teammates around me.” Q: What motivates you to continue pursuing athletics? A: “Honestly, I love it. Every day just being able to practice, to get out there on the course.” Q: Who has been your biggest supporter athletically? A: “Probably my coach. He’s helped me through the whole college process. He’s kind of inspired me to keep playing.”
Emonta Hicks, 12 Benedictine College Q: How do you feel about pursuing football in college? A: “Very excited. I’m ready to start college football.” Q: Do you think the transition to college athletics will be different or challenging? A: “I’m not nervous, but I know it’s going to be hard.” Q: What motivates you to continue pursuing athletics? A: “My family. They support me in everything.” Q: Who has been your biggest supporter athletically? A: “My mom, she’s at all my games.”
Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 Sports
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BUCKET LIST
Activities Planned For After Graduation Graphics by Cassie Ford
Travel With Friends
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Visit National Monuments
Go Bungee Jumping
Take A Hike
Go On A Float Trip
Spend Time With Friends And Family
Make A Large Painting
Attend A Concert
Read a Few Books
Go Camping
Run At The Festival Of Miles
Learn How To Crochet
Learn To Type Better
Start a Planner
Go To The Lake Of The Ozarks
Get A Tattoo
Watch A Whole Movie Franchise
Rock Climb
Have Fun!
*Survey of 189 students
Talon Issue 5 Volume 14 Lifestyle