Staley Talon, September 2014, Vol. 7, Issue 1

Ready.

Staley High School | Kansas City, Mo. Volume VII Issue I | September 2014

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Table of Contents Fashion Feature Sports

The Complete Homecoming Look

(10)

Opinion (04)

Homecoming Candidates

(08)

Policy Changes

Feature (06)

Sports (15) 2 Volume VII |Issue I

Isaiah Rider Swim State Qualifiers

Softball

(14)

Homecoming Football

(12)

Talon is published quarterly 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 verifiable disruption of the education process of Staley High School. Letters must be signed. Anonymous letters will be discarded.

Advertisers may contact the business manager at cherie.burgett@nkcschools.org, (816) 413-4100 or at 2800 NE Shoal Creek Parkway, Kansas City, MO, 64156-1313.

Opinions expressed in Talon do not reflect the Talon staff’s endorsement of the products or services.

Subscriptions are available, $20 for a mailed copy, $10 for an emailed pdf version, or $25 for both.

Talon is a member of NSPA, MIPA and Quill and Scroll. Talon is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.

Letter from the Editors Everyone has his or her own thoughts and ideas about what we should do with the magazine. We first started to realize this when we had to make original decisions including what size we should print, whether or not to use glossy paper and who should fill each position on staff.

Over time, we haven’t stopped disagreeing. It often feels as if each and every decision we have to make comes down to a compromise between varying schools of thought. The idea of listening to each person’s ideas is what has gotten us to this point. It feels great to release our first issue for this school year. It feels great to have met new people because of the magazine and for us to create lasting friendships, thanks to Talon.

It feels great to be starting off this new school year with great memories from the last, and big hopes for what’s to come. It is our hope that with all of these big ideas, we’ll be able to come to pleasing compromises that make each member of the staff excited to publish the magazine, and each reader content to open the latest issue of Talon and take a look at everything we have to offer.

Love,

Abbi Atwell and Paige Hawkins

Editors Photo by Tiffany Thompson Design by Abbi Atwell Table of Contents Photos by Tiffany Thompson and Destiny Wilborn Cover Photo by Keirceten Nelson

Talon Staff

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Editor-in-Chief Abbi Atwell Managing Editor Paige Hawkins Multimedia Editor Bryttany Holovach Lifestyles Editor Sean Fender Features Editor Paige Hawkins Opinions Editor Abbi Atwell Sports Editor Sean Fender Fashion Editor Dallas Beaulieu Photos Editor Destiny Wilborn Copy Editors Marissa Hubbard Abbi Atwell Reporters Hafsa Sheikh-Hussein Hannah Crites Adrianna McLean Alayna Lopez Amber Engle Photographers Brad Smith Tiffany Thompson Jamil Thomas-Nunn Logan Dawson Kaleigh Bentz Graphic Artisit Chase Vallejo Adviser Cherié Burgett

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Opinion

Breaking Traditions Written by Marissa Hubbard

Photo by Destiny Wilborn

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Going into a new school year, change is expected but not always appreciated. A new sense of bitterness has taken over many returning students regarding the new polices changes and removal of perks from previous years. Even the underclassman who have never experienced the benefits of Falcon Hour or tasted school food unbound by government restrictions are mourning for their loss.

While some of these don’t have an easy solution that will satisfy students, teachers and administrators, acting like the problems don’t exist is not getting any closer to appeasing anyone.

One of the most notable changes is the lack of Volume VII| Issue I

Falcon Hour and the introduction of Falcon Time.

Despite the similar name, the intervals are vastly different from each other, mainly regarding the involvement of food and overall time they take place.

Falcon Hour, like the name suggests, was about an hour that students could eat, talk with friends and catch up on work unless assigned to a class.

Falcon Time is alike in the ability to talk with friends and catch up on work, but is without what is considered a priority to so many students, food. With only a little over 20 minutes to rush through lunch lines and scarf down food, lunch is now a disliked time of chaos and isolation for

those unfortunate enough to have no friends in their lunch shift. Falcon Hour allowed a more relaxed pace for lunch, giving students more of a choice involving when to have their lunch. The issue with how Falcon Hour ended was the circumstances in which it was ended on.

Obviously, the food fight played a role in its disappearance, but because of a lack of communication, many think that to be the only reason. It’s not unreasonable to fix this miscommunication by laying out what went wrong last year and actually telling the students. Ignorance, in this case, is certainly not giving anyone bliss.

Lunch is now as healthy

and wasteful as ever. Little can be done about changing government regulations by the food service or district, but nevertheless, attention should be brought to the overhear complaint. A simple solution to this seemingly difficult problem is to reach out to students.

Like the survey given last year, every couple of month’s students could be given the option to suggest foods to be served and voice their opinion on foods being served in the present.

While this might not work budgetwise, being able to have a choice in what is being served would be a step in the right direction for students.

Opinion

Attendance • Students were not penalized for attendance unless there was an outstanding number of missed days

Attendance • Ten specific categories of absences that are excused • Students with lower than 90 percent attendance will see their grades decrease in classes missed • There is an appeal process for students who feel that privileges have been wrongly taken • There will be an opportunity for students to earn back missed instructional hours

Food Changes • Fewer healthy options in vending machines • Doughnuts, Pop Tarts and Hot Cheetos were available in vending machines

Food Changes • Healthier varieties of food in vending machines • 100-calorie cookies and pickles are now available

“Falcon Hour” • An hour between 2nd and 3rd block • If student had a D or an F in a class, they were directed to that teacher • Use time to eat lunch and study

Graphics by Chase Vallejo

“Falcon Time” • A 29-minute period between 2nd and 3rd block • Must be in a classroom or with a staff member • Students can still be directed • Four lunch periods during 3rd block

Infographic by Hannah Crites and Adrianna McLean

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Feature

Mother and Son Fight to Be Reunited Student Back in Kansas City But Not Home Story by Bryttany Holovach Graphic by Chase Vallejo Design by Paige Hawkins and Marissa Hubbard

Until April of last school year, junior Isaiah Rider attended Staley High School. That is when the state of Illinois removed him from his mother’s custody. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, where Isaiah was treated in 2014, made accusations of Munchausen Syndrome against his mother, Michelle Rider. Munchausen is when one fabricates or exaggerates about a patient’s condition.

Isaiah suffers from neurofibromatosis, which is a disease that causes tumors to build on nerves throughout the body. Isaiah said he has had two surgeries on his left leg. The final surgery was in 2012, when just below his left knee was amputated. Michelle said that in January 2014, Isaiah began to have complications with

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his leg; violent tremors began to happen. Lurie Children’s Hospital claimed the tremors were due to anxiety, said Michelle. However, the answer was not enough for her.

When Isaiah was in pain, Michelle tried to get more pain medication, but Lurie Children’s Hospital refused, she said.

When contacting Lurie Children’s Hospital about the situation, the response as “no comment.” During the situation, Michelle said she felt a sense of helplessness as things unfolded.

“I just kept telling myself that everything was going to be alright, and I would get back home,” said Isaiah, who said he was shocked to learn he was removed from his mother’s custody.

But there have been many things to

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keep both Isaiah and Michelle strong while being apart. A major component has been the support from the community. Michelle said her “faith and support of family and friends” is what has kept her motivated, but the main force driving her is Isaiah.

“Isaiah has been through so much.

We’ve been through so much; he’s worth fighting for,” said Michelle. “I know I can’t give up because this situation has been unjust.”

The community has been very supportive by participating in rallies and protests, Michelle said. She founded an organization, Team Isaiah, designated to spread awareness for parental rights and to be a voice for other families that have been in similar situations.

Team Isaiah has grown rapidly, according to Michelle, who said she hasn’t even had a chance to meet some of the people working daily on Isaiah’s behalf.

“There has been so much love and support from Team Isaiah. I don’t know if I could’ve done it,” said Michelle.

A new message has risen than what was initially planed for Team Isaiah. Once Michelle was put in this position as a parent, she said, her “eyes have open to other children this has happened to.” She also said it has given her more of a push to move forward with Team Isaiah. She said one of the reasons why most people have been put in the same situation is due to lack situation is due to lack of knowledge of constitutional rights. Even though one is taught to

Feature trust hospitals, parents should still stand up for their children or family, said Michelle.

“It’s OK to stand together and say it’s not OK, because it is a constitutional right,” said Michelle.

Even when chaos struck, the bond between Michelle and Isaiah became stronger, she said. Recently, Isaiah was allowed to reside with his grandparents who live in Missouri.

However, the state of Illinois still has custody, according to the “Team Isaiah” Facebook page. While Missouri has cleared Michelle for custody, the state

of Illinois continues to negotiate with her and Lurie Children’s hospital, she said.

For now, Isaiah is going to a different school due to location of his grandparents being out of district.

He also only gets supervised visits with his mom until the court reaches further decisions. The relocation was one step closer, but still she and Team Isaiah said they will be relentless in bringing justice until he returns home.

“There has been so much love and support from Team Isaiah.”

Isaiah and Michelle Rider meet up, 2014

On Sept. 8, protesters for Team Isaiah stand outside the county Cook Juvenile center in Chicago.

The protest was to bring what they considered to be justice on Isaiah’s behalf when he was taken out of custody. They were “trying to get justice about what has been done to his family,” said Denise Westphal, who us part of the Isaiah Team.

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Kara Bradshaw

Mary Keeney

Lauren Faitz

Alyssa Asper

Brooke VanSickle

“I will miss all of the great friends I’ve made. I’ll miss all the things I’m involved in, too—you don’t get to experience things like them in college, and that breaks my heart.”

“I will miss all the genuine, amazing people I’ve met.

I’ll miss the all the great memories that were made.”

“I will miss all of the amazing people I have met throughout my four years here at Staley. Such great friends and teachers I will never forget, and I’m so thankful for all of them.”

“I’ll miss being in a classroom where I can actually get to know the teachers and classmates.

Going off to college will be hard because I won’t know anyone.”

“I will miss all of the amazing friends and teachers here and the positive atmosphere.”

Kara’s Little Quirk: “I hate when people touch my face.”

Mary’s Little Quirk: “I have this crazy obsession with Jimmy Fallon.”

Lauren’s Little Quirk: “I can’t fully raise my left arm.”

Alyssa’s Little Quirk: “I like to dance by myself in my room when no one’s watching.”

Brooke’s Little Quirk: “I have a weird eye flutter from when I got my concussion.”

“Under the Big Top” Photos and Design by Abbi Atwell

Juniors Isabelle Perkarsky and Allison Paul dressed as clowns for the reveal.

Paul and Perkarsky both helped with the assembly. “We were trying to involve the theme in the assembly,” said Paul.

AP Psychology teacher Scott Anderson played the fortune teller in the homecoming-reveal assembly. Anderson dressed in costume and wrote his own lines for the assembly. Anderson joked about assistant principal Fred Bouchard being “pretty.”

Photos by Destiny Wilborn

Juniors Alexis Jensen and senior Carson Bowman were the emcees during the assembly Sept. 19.

Bowman played the part of “ringmaster,” and Jensen was his assistant. “Trying to get everything ready was overwhelming but it was really fun,” said Jensen.

Finishing Touches

Add Final Details to Your Homecoming Look

Written by Dallas Beaulieu Design by Paige Hawkins and Dallas Beaulieu Photos by Tiffany Thompson

When it comes to homecoming, it’s all about lots of energy and fun memories that should be translated through your outfit, and the carnival theme opens the doors to all different kinds of styles.

Having already picked out your dress, the last step before walking out the door is crucial.

Accessories are key to finishing off an outfit. You can never go wrong with simple and elegant bracelets and rings

that draw some attention to your new manicure. Also pairing silver or gold bracelets will help to bring out those colors in the dress, or mix and match to create a more dramatic look.

If you have a

dress on the more simple side that’s a solid color, throwing on a statement necklace is another alternative. A bright, bold chunky necklace is great for enhancing the crisp, white dress that you have.

To complete the whole look, the final piece to having a perfectly balanced outfit is the makeup.

Keeping your skin flawless and fresh, now’s your time to experiment with a bright red lip or edgy, winged eyeliner. Focusing on one or the other will be picked up in the photos, leaving an effortless finish.

Men’s Final Steps

Bring Your Homecoming Look Together

Tie:

The main thing to keep in mind when putting on the tie is to keep it sleek.

You also want to put in the effort of coordinating the colors with your date’s dress.

Cologne:

The last step before you are fully finished is to apply the scent without overdoing it.

Belt:

The belt is a simple, key piece to the overall look, and keeping it clean and crisp will enhance the suit as a whole.

At the start of the game against Raymore-Peculiar on Aug. 29, the football team runs onto the field ready to defeat the Panthers. The team brought home an 18-17 victory over the Panthers. “The atmosphere from the homecoming game is always a lot different from any other game; there is just a lot more pressure to win,” said senior Tim Warren. Photos by Keirceten Nelson

Getting Ready

Players Prepare for Homecoming Game Against Hornets Written by Sean Fender Design by Paige Hawkins

The beginning of the school year has passed, and that means only one thing: homecoming is coming up.

It’s right around the corner. The girls are buying dresses, and the guys are asking the girls. Students do a lot to prepare for the dance and also for the homecoming football game.

The football players have a little bit of different story, however. As they may be asking their dates to the dance, they also have another thing to prepare for: homecoming. Other than building up the nerves to ask a girl

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to the dance, they have the homecoming game.

“For the homecoming game, we don’t really do anything special or different to prepare,” said head coach Fred Bouchard. “We do, however, like the fact that students can dress up, and maybe we can get a good crowd.”

Even though there isn’t any change to preparation, homecoming itself is a big event, and so the football game is important to many people. The student section is powerful in cheering, and being at the game is one thing the team looks for-

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ward to.

“This game has a label, and that’s what makes it better,” said senior Ali Harb. “The difference is the atmosphere the students and parents bring. People know its homecoming, so they’ll make a big deal out of it.”

The atmosphere for the players is what helps to push them, and the fact that it’s homecoming helps the atmosphere out. This is what the players look for, and especially the seniors.

“It’s a really important game to us,” said senior Marquis McIntosh.

“We always

want to win, but no one wants to lose their homecoming game, and for the seniors, it’s our last year, and we’d like the legacy of winning the homecoming game.”

For the game this year, the team plays North Kansas City High School.

Last seasons game against North Kansas City resulted in a 45-8 win for Staley.

“They are the oldest school in the district, so it’s like a old versus new type of game,” Bouchard said.

Student Section Cheering during the blackout game against Raymore-Peculiar High School Aug. 29, junior Ariel Konyalioglu faces the student section. “Cheering during the homecoming game is always so much more exciting,” said Konyalioglu.

Design by Paige Hawkins Photos by Keirceten Nelson and Logan Dawson

Showing her support in the student section during the Sept.

12 game against Liberty North High School, senior Julianna Harrell raises her arms, along with the rest of the crowd, to prepare for kickoff. Fans brought Americana gear for the night’s theme. “I have so much pride in our school and love showing it through supporting all of the school activities,” said Harrell.

What the Performers Have to Say

“We just learned our routine on Monday, so we’re working on perfecting that before the big homecoming assembly. I can’t wait.”

-Senior, Amy Potthast, Emeralds

“The homecoming game is one of the most exciting games to cheer at. The student section seems to be more involved and upbeat.” -Senior, Alli Jeske, Cheerleading

During the game against Liberty North on Sep. 12, senior Courtney Crisafulli cheers from the student section. The student section gets decked out in America-themed apparel for the game, which ended with a 28-17 win. “When you’re in the student section, you really feel everyone come together,” said Crisafulli.

What They Wear

Joining the crowd in their traditional kickoff cheer during the game against Raymore-Peculiar on Aug. 29 is senior Matthew Ludwig.

The fans painted themselves black for the blackout theme that night. “I’ve been growing up with most of these guys since kindergarten, so the student section is a great way to show them support,” said Ludwig.

“We’re all so excited to be a part of all the homecoming festivity such as spirt week and just seeing everyone all pumped up with Staley spirt.”

-Freshman, Susan Stock, Diamonds

Graphics by Paige Hawkins

Home

Away

“This is my first time experiencing homecoming and being a part of it, and it’s been great so far.” Freshman, Angel Newman, Band

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Senior Ashley Caldarel- ww la returns to the dugout after the first inning on Sept. 9. The team played against Oak Park High School.

“We’ve beat teams we haven’t beaten before,” said Caldarella. “I’m hoping we’ll keep it going.”

After catching the third strike, senior Libby Schrick throws the ball back to the pitcher. “It felt amazing to beat Kearney and Liberty for the first time ever in Staley history,” said Schrick. “We have made many great memories and there are more to come.”

During the line-up announcements, senior Kinsey Kiser high-fives her teammates. “This is the best start we have ever had. It’s been a great season, and I’m expecting it to get even better,” said senior Carly Russell.

Getting into batting position, senior Ashley Caldarella prepares to hit the ball. “It was amazing going undefeated for so long. Also hitting a home run agaist Kearney was amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better senior class to spend this season with.”

Waiting for her turn to bat, sophomore Jen Harvey watches her teammates from in front of the dugout. “We have great leadership from our senior class that has helped us come so far this season,” said Harvey.

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Softball Starts Strong

Self-Motivated Team Makes Difference

Written by Marissa Hubbard Design and Graphic by Paige Hawkins Photos by Destiny Wilborn

After winning the tournament in Joplin, Mo., the varsity softball team is continuing to bring in wins.

Their overall wins are 16 with three losses as of Sept.

23. The girls are faster this year, giving more opportunities for plays where speed is a key factor, like stealing bases, according to head coach Jairus Tapp.

Tapp, who has coached the team for seven years, said the season has gone exceptionally well so far.

“The girls are stepping up. They seem very self motivated,” said Tapp. “They want to be undefeated.”

Games are scheduled very close to each other, leaving little time to actually practice.

The team practices 19 times before their first game and six times after, according to Tapp.

“We normally do hitting, fieldwork, situational stuff and a

little bit of pitching,” said senior Kinsey Kiser.

With games going back to back, practice can be hard to come by, but for some of the players, it’s what happens off the field that matters the most.

“We have team bonding outside of softball,” said senior Jena Holt. “Even on the field, all of us are good friends.”

A superstition has taken over the team and has yet to fail this season. The girls will warm up the same way and keep things like seats and lineup position as similar as possible.

“We sit in the same spots in away games and sometimes listen to the same music,” said Holt, who prefers to wear the same bow to every game.

The team’s skill and overall chemistry between players will possibly give them advantage in reaching their goal of conference champs and possibly beyond.

“I think we all have gotten a lot closer,” said senior Ashley Caldarella. “We are ready to go out there and win.”

w

Making a Splash Swimmers Find Early Success

Written by Abbi Atwell

Senior Daniel Maynard qualified for state in the 200m free style and the 100m breast stroke at a dual meet against Platte County High School and Park Hill South.

Maynard also qualified for the 100 freestyle at a meet against St. Joe Central. In the 100 backstroke, sophomore Jason Schlaud qualified for state competition in the 100 backstroke at the dual meet.

The boys’ swim and dive team includes a fourperson, 200m-medley relay team, comprised of Schlaud, junior Collin Duffy, Maynard and senior John Pittala.

The boys medley relay team has qualified for state competition. This year, state will be held on Nov. 7 and 8. ”State’s a huge meet,” said senior John Pittala. “It’s at the end of the year, and especially being a senior, it’s what I’ve been working for.”

Design by Paige Hawkins

“It’s been great. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys,” said Pittala.

Duffy said he is glad to have some people on the team who will be around next year.

“There are some younger guys on the relay, too,” said Duffy. “It’s going to be a good year, for sure.”

In addition to afternoon practices, the swim team meets before school for extra practices.

“If you’re there, everyone respects you because you’re swimming and working just as hard as everybody else,” said Pittala.

Photos by Destiny Wilborn and Abbi Atwell

Showing up to practice even when it’s difficult earns the boys on the team lots of respect from fellow teammates, according to Pittala.

“Morning practices are amazing.

It gives me motive to get up at 5 o’clock in the morning, and I’m seeing a lot of improvement in times, especially in sprints,” said Pittala.

With state competition coming up in November, the team will be changing their strategy at practice in order to prepare for the larger competition.

“Tapering” is a nickname for cutting down the

distances at practice before important competitions in order to build up energy.

The work that the relay team has been putting in could be one of the main reasons that they are now state qualifiers.

“I think we can get top eight, in one of our relays for sure,” said Schlaud. “I’m not quite sure where we’ll get in there, because you just don’t know how the competition’s going to do this year.”

Everyone on the team has to put in work at meets and practices to help the entire team be successful and to create a sense of unity and team.

Junior Saul Armendariz is Staley’s only diver on the boys team. He is new to diving this year.

“I’m starting to move on to more difficult dives in order to score higher,” said Armendariz.

Sophomore Jason Schlaud is a state qualifier in the medley relay, as well as the 100 backstroke. “We are giving it everything we’ve got,” said Schlaud.

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