TalOn
Staley High School Kansas City, Missouri Volume 11, Issue 2 October 2018
Human Trafficking Page 8-9 First Amendment rights 4-5
You’re Somebody’s Type 7
Taking Home Gold 16
Inside this issue 4-5
News
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
tHE fOG reMAINS You’re Somebody’s Type
8-9
NEWS
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STAFF EDITORIAL
Uncover The Truth About Trafficking
Students Can Help Victims
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tEENS Should pARTicipate In Democracy
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SPORTS
16 Talon staff decided to cover the increasingly common topic of human trafficking. Sticking to the minimalistic theme, managing editor, junior Makenzie Hooton designed the cover.
kNOW yoUR rIGHTS
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14-15 On the Cover
News
OPINION
Athletes Reflect on Conference Change FEATURE
QB Recovering From Concussion Feature
Special Olympic Athlete Wins Gold
Letter from the editor: Dear Readers,
I hope everyone is surviving the winterishfall. The school year is finally in full swing. The fun at the beginning of the year is dwindling, just like the weather and some seniors’ motivation. But that’s OK, because Talon is still here to dish out the latest information. Since the last publishing cycle, Talon staff has regained composure from what was the insanity of finishing our first issue with almost an entirely new staff. There were lots of late nights and tears, but it
all paid off due to the overwhelming praise from the student body. We all worked hard and worked together to make something we were proud of. The entire staff hopes to keep the trend of producing a widely appreciated publication. It is my goal as editorin-chief to keep the staff motivated to keep working their hardest. It’s that time of year when fall sports are wrapping up and heading into championship play. Since last year, all of our school’s sports were moved up a conference. Find out more about how
things are going on pages 12-13. But those aren’t the only sports in this issue. Also learn about the award freshman Casey Dodge won at Special Olympics State on page 16. This year, we are more focused on presenting the student body with relevant news that affects their community. With more and more information and alerts coming out about human trafficking, which has become more of a local issue, Talon decided to shed light upon the heavy topic, because the best way to stop it is to start learning about it. That can
be found on pages 8-9. It is my hope that with each issue, the young Talon staff gains more confidence in themselves and their work, and the student body and teachers enjoy our publication. I welcome all readers to make this an interactive experience and share their concerns and suggestions about our school, the magazine or issues that affect our generation. Stay tuned, Senior Haylee Roberts Editor-In-Chief
TALON STAFF Editor-In-Chief: Haylee Roberts Managing Editor: Makenzie Hooton Adviser: CheriE Burgett
Staff: Autumn Adams Sara Almansouri Lonyae Coulter Clare Cunningham Makanani Grace
Dylan Holovach Hailey Milliken Kara Morley Rachael Mueller Kayla Pospisil
Alexa Schulte Lexi Valdez Jack Warner Bryce Windsor
CONTACT US:
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 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 and Quill and Scroll. Talon is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.
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know your rights Students exercise first amendment rights
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n this day and age of #Never Again and #Me Too, students are taking a stand and fighting for what they believe in. That wouldn’t be possible without the First Amendment, people in the United States are guaranteed the freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition. Therefore, knowing how and when to exercise these rights is important for everyone to know. One student who is politically active in his community is senior Karson Harris. He has attended protests over issues including the March for Our Lives, K.C. Walkout and Net Neutrality. Harris believes protests are a good way for people under 18 who can’t vote to support their cause. “If they don’t represent how they feel now, they’ll never be represented,” said Harris. One thing Harris believes is that the most important thing for students to do is exercise their First Amendment rights. “I try to go to as many political events as I can and really use my voice to talk to people and ask questions,” said Harris.
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For sophomore Steven Jenne the First Amendment is important to him, because he believes that communication is key. Jenne is in debate and the Young Republicans Club. “I think it’s better that people just talk and actually at least know what they’re voting for,” said Jenne. Another student involved in local
“If they don’t represent how they feel now, they’ll never be represented.” Senior Karson Harris politics is senior Joshua Potratz. Potratz is a former intern of the Missouri Democratic Party. Potratz also participates in Students Demand Action and the Young Democrats Club. “First Amendment is important to me because it has clear benefits that prevent tyranny of the
government and allows me to express my thoughts,” said Potratz. In the past, Potratz has exercised his right of free speech by going to rallies for gun control and against child separation. “A right can only go so far until it comes into conflict with another right, and I believe that the right to safety trumps every other right,” said Potratz. The word censorship is often thrown around by people whenever posts get deleted or accounts get closed. Private companies, like social media sites, have the right to take down posts and accounts. If a post is deemed inappropriate or violates their standards, they have complete freedom to remove the post. A person’s right is only taken away if they are being censored by the government. People understanding their First Amendment rights is key. Written by Rachael Mueller Graphics by Rachael Mueller
As Seen On Instagram.. Students Attend Rallies
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The fog remains
Vapedemic continues to affect youth
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product some see as potentially beneficial could now be shortening lives of teenagers, E-Cigarettes were designed with the intention to give cigarette smokers an alternative, according to The Washington Post. However, now the easily accessible products are in the pockets and sleeves of kids walking the halls in middle schools and high schools. Vaping is a controversial issue, not only on a national scale. It also affects the everyday lives of students and faculty members at our school. During the 2017-2018 school year, the breakout year for vaping in school, school administration implemented policies in an attempt to stop students from vaping in school. Bathroom doors were locked throughout the day, and campus security was on the lookout for vaping. “I feel like it’s just something that a lot of people do. So teenagers being teenagers, are just going to disregard anything they’ve heard about it,” said junior Carla LaSala. Lawsuits were filed against the popular vape company Juul this summer. People were trying to sue the company because of the number of kids vaping, claiming that Juul’s advertising targets youth. Psychiatric News reports found that 13.3 percent of eighth graders, 23.9 percent of tenth graders and 27.8 percent of twelfth graders use vapes. “I think the administration hasn’t really done anything to keep vaping outside of school, besides luckily catching kids doing it in the bathrooms,” said senior Jonah Johnson. “And in all honesty, I don’t think there is anything else we can do to prevent it besides that.” The Washington Post reported that some schools have installed monitors to detect vaping in their bathrooms. Our school has not gone to these measures. With Juuls being discreet, often resembling a USB drive, it is difficult to
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make and enforce rules against them. Juuling isn’t just done in bathrooms out of view from teachers, students conceal the Juul in their sleeves in classrooms, making it easy to do by simply leaning over, out of view from the teacher. Assistant principal Jessica Hoffecker said the procedure on confiscating vapes is the same as last year, as is the punishment. Getting caught with a vape is still an office referral and possibly ISS or OSS. With teenage vaping being as popular as it is, they may be too accessible to teens. People think that Juul is trying to reach teenagers with their products. Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids claim that the variety of flavors even lure teens in to try vaping. “I don’t think that Juul are specifically targeting young kids just because there are fun flavors,” said Johnson. The Washington Post reported that the Food and Drug Administration had given Juul a 60 day deadline to prove they could keep the vapes out of the reach of youth, and the case is still developing. The deadline was issued in early September. “Clearly the FDA is looking into vaping and creating laws restricting its selling and use, said Hoffecker. “I would ask anyone who is making the decision to vape to be aware that they might not know what they’re putting in their bodies.” No one can be sure yet of the long-term effects of vaping. Studies at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University have already shown that some people that vape have had unsafe levels of lead, chromium, manganese and nickel in their bodies. Also, a study from the NYU School Of Medicine found that nicotine from E-Cigarettes can cause cancer in mice. Any longterm effects will be experienced and dealt with years from now. Written byJack Warner Photo Illustration by Sara Almansouri Graphic by Makenzie Hooton
You’re Somebody’s type Blood Transfusion Changes Life
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he biannual blood drive is where dozens of students and staff donate their blood for those who need it. The blood is then sent to the Red Cross, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance and disaster support. At the blood drive hosted by Student Council, about 60 students and staff signed up, and there were 35 successful donations. “That’s a little bit lower than normal. We had a lot of girls especially, that didn’t meet the height-weight ratio. So, you can weigh a certain amount, but you also have to be a certain height too,” said Student Council sponsor Andrea Holmes. And we also had people that had low iron. And we had a lot of people that backed out because they just didn’t feel well.” Administrative assistant Kelly Lewis said she received a blood transfusion in August of 2017, because her iron blood level oxygenation had dropped so low that she was passing out, and her heart was racing all of the time. “I had to go to the hospital, and they found out that’s what was
wrong,” said Lewis. “So they gave me a blood transfusion.” She went to the emergency room to get her blood tested to get a matching donor. “They also have to test your heart and some other different things. I’m sure it’s different for everybody depending on what their circumstances are and why they’re getting the blood transfusion,” said Lewis. The operation took several hours, and Lewis was kept in the hospital overnight. “It was a little scary to have it done,” said Lewis. “There is a small risk that you could be infected with something in the blood that they may not have been able to screen out and catch. And then it’s just a little weird that somebody else’s blood is in you.” Lewis said her health improved greatly after just a day. “The cool thing about it is that I felt a ton better once I had it done,” said Lewis. “It’s so necessary for people to give blood.” The next blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27. Written by Kara Morley Graphics by Autumn Adams
Where The Blood Goes Blood is drawn from the donor.
It is put in a sterile bag after being drawn.
Blood is taken to the lab to be tested.
Blood is tested to see if it is approved as healthy.
Blood is taken to the hospital and is donated to patients. source: The American Red Cross At the blood drive Oct. 3, students and staff donated blood to help save lives. Three donors, sophomores Madison Swafford and Grace Spitzmiller and junior Alyssa Malena participated in the first drive of the school year held by Student Council. There were 35 pints of blood donated with the help of Red Cross staff. “I felt good knowing that I could be helping someone else just by doing this little act,” said Swafford. Photos by Haley Anne Mahusay & Haley McAtee
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tHIS IS hAPPENING
Uncover the Truth about Human trafficking 8
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magine feeling alone, as though no one understands, then one day someone on social media wants to be friends. Now, envision waking up in a cold, dark Cargo box. This is how many young people are currently being sold into human trafficking. “Human trafficking is always the exploitation of vulnerability,” said Russ Tuttle, president and founder of the Stop Trafficking Project. Trust your gut, you will know if it’s a bad situation, according to the Stop Trafficking Project. “Loneliness is a big thing,” said Tammy Slauson, School Community Resource Specialist. “These people are psychotic. They feed on that; they know how to manipulate, and it is a huge money industry, which is sad. But they are pretty slick about it too, so that’s how they get away with it.” More than 40 million people are in some form of slavery today, and the numbers in the United States is somewhere in the hundreds of thousands and that number increased 13 percent from 2016-2017, according to the Polaris Project, an organization aimed at ending human slavery. “One study found that sex trafficking is a $9.8-billion industry in the United States,” said Tuttle. “Another study found that some traffickers will sell up to 800 women in their lifetime.” About $99 billion around the world is made through human trafficking, and that is 60 percent of all the profits made though human trafficking, according to the Stop Trafficking Project. A 2009 sting operation in Kansas City baited people on the internet with decoy ads offering young girls for sex by simply calling a phone number. That number received more than 500 calls in the first 24 hours. Most of the phone calls had an 816 area code, according to the Stop Trafficking Project. Arizona State University conducted a study to learn more about some of the sex trafficking hubs in 2013, and found that 14.5 percent of the male population over the age of 18 in the
greater Kansas City region were online shopping for sex. The demand is high in Kansas City. “There’s organizations in Kansas City who actually employ women who have been victims. They make jewelry and things like that to sell to get funds to help other victims, so there is a lot of services for the victims here in Kansas City,” said Slauson. There was a prevention training held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Oct. 12 for police officers, first responders, educators, firefighters and concerned citizens to be trained further on human trafficking, and more than 300 people attended. At the training, there was a slide presentation created by registered nurse Heidi Olson stating that currently, Children’s Mercy Hospital is ranked in the top five percent of the United States in the volume of sexual assault victims, like sex trafficking each year. That means Kansas City is
“Human Trafficking is always the exploitation of vulnerability.” Russ Tuttle, Stop Trafficking Project outranking big cities like New York City and Los Angeles hospitals in the number of victims they see, which includes adult and pediatric programs. “Once we heard the statistics, we had our first meeting with just all men. We had 300 men come, and we said we have got to do something about this, and it all starts with demand. And so it starts with your heart,” said Tim Overby, pastor of ministries at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. “This is one of the first few churches that this has been led by men and not women. The men have to get in the face of the other men. It has to start with other men.” It is all about supply and demand. If the demand decreases, then the supply will go down, according to the Stop Sex Trafficking Project. Domestic minor sex trafficking is the commercial sexual exploitation of a minor who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, according to the Stop Sex Trafficking Project.
“One of the most common misperceptions about trafficking is that people are trafficked by strangers. Thirty-six percent are immediate family, 27 percent are boyfriends, 14 percent are friends of family, 14 percent are employers and only 9 percent are strangers. So generally, people aren’t sold into human trafficking by the creepy white van,” said Tuttle. Sex trafficking happens to men, too. Pimps prey on men’s desires and dissatisfaction just like they do to women. “They promise big things and anything the victims want. And to a lot of young women that sounds nice, to be able to help their family,” said Slauson. Pimps also often force their victims to get tattoos to prove that they are that pimp’s property, according to Stop Trafficking Project. “Pornography is the No. 1 engine to drive sex trafficking,” said Tuttle. Pornography is training men and women to turn to sex trafficking, mostly in the terms of a consumer, according to the Stop Trafficking Project. “You never know who that person is on cyberspace. They might be trying to trap you or manipulate you. That’s what human traffickers do. They try to gain your trust, and teenagers are very vulnerable. It is very easy to be pulled in by their manipulation tactics,” said Scott. Social media plays a big role in human trafficking, and social media allows anyone to connect with everyone at any time. “We have a saying I like to tell students regarding inappropriate communication on social media. It’s, ‘You get it, block it, save it, report it,’” said Tuttle. Social media also helps sexual predators collect personal information, so it is easier for them to track down their next victim. “These people who are trying to take advantage of the girls or boy. They act like they are their age or their friends and try and get them to tell them all their information to take advantage of them. Students think ‘Oh they are fine, they are safe,’ but they aren’t, and that’s devastating,” said Slauson. Written by Alexa Schulte Graphic by Rachael Mueller
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Staff Editorial
Human Trafficking Students CAN Get Involved To Help Victims
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eople of all ages are being taken against their will. Human trafficking is a growing problem that has become more publicized. It has always been an issue, but recently on social media, runners have been sharing personal stories claiming they were followed on runs, mothers and children being followed in stores and drivers being run off the road in attempt to kidnap. Whether they are true attempts or paranoia, it goes to show that trafficking is on everyone’s mind. Since 2007 in Missouri alone, there have been 2,390 calls giving tips and 589 total cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. With Interstate-70 running straight through Kansas City Mo., trafficking is a real threat. In October 2017, two sisters, a 3-month-old and a 5-yearold were rescued in Denver, Colorado, by undercover agents during an FBI operation against trafficking. Recently, there was a bust in Iowa saving hundreds of kids from multiple different states, and the ring was said to be spread worldwide. Many runners are unwilling to go on runs alone due to paranoid that someone will take them. It seems people can’t go to the store without having to watch their surroundings constantly to make sure they are not being approached. Students can’t walk home from school without being on high alert. But not only are people being taken off the streets, the biggest trafficking ring can be found on the internet. It is easy to meet people online who seem friendly, but that may not be who they actually are. Some traffickers are known for finding their victims online and luring them in by pretending to be a girl or boy their age.
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There are so many ways that students can get involved to help support victims and combat trafficking within their own community. By simply attending awareness-raising events at local churches or community gatherings, volunteering and supporting anti-trafficking efforts, it will make a difference. Start a club at school to raise awareness, an event that could get the whole school involved or get a summer internship at an antitrafficking campaign like the Polaris Project in Washington, D.C. The best way to rid our community of this horrible outbreak is to learn about it. Encourage others to do research on the topic to spread the word and make others less naive. Take charge and start a
movement to raise awareness and fundraise for victims of trafficking. Pleasant Valley Baptist Church holds a variety of events to support the victims and promote awareness to prevent it in the future. Be aware. Recognizing the signs is the first step to prevention. Raise awareness and take action in your community. Most importantly, report any suspicions to local law enforcement and the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888 or online at humantraffickinghotline.org. Graphics by Autumn Adams
source: humantraffickinghotline.org
Go Vote
Teens Should Participate In Democracy
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eenagers are so lazy and unmotivated. That’s what people seem to think anyway. But it seems that the increase of registered young adult voters who will be able to vote in the next election begs to differ. This new trend of participating in our democracy is exactly what the nation needs. We are living in a society where it seems more kids than ever have intense political views, whether they mimic their parents or not. The fact that young people have strong political opinions does nobody any good unless they put those views into action. Lately, young adults talking about their plans to vote in midterms and the next presidential election has been trending. Not only does this encourage others to vote, it also helps accurately represent the citizens of our country. Democracy only works when the civilians participate. It seems as though young people are finally realizing that, aside from voting being a civic duty, it really matters. Throughout the country, recent data shows youth voting registration has increased by 2.16 percent for the whole United States. This is looking to be a big improvement as opposed to 50 percent of 18-to-29-year-olds being registered in 2014, and only half of them actually voting. Celebrities Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian have been pushing for voting
participation via social media. Swift posted a passionate explanation about who she is voting for and why. She then urged others to vote. Kardashian tweeted about a similar subject, listing states and the deadlines to register to vote in them. Finally, the passion brought to the table from today’s youth via Twitter wars and other uses of social media might actually be reflected in the poll numbers. Young people need to actually act and not just complain on Twitter. And it looks like they actually are. Not only is this encouraging to future or potential voters, it also encourages people to actually figure out what they are talking about. Once they see their friends voting and people actually participating in government, not just screaming about issues, they may be motivated to research candidates and issues, so they can cast an educated ballot come time for midterms or any other opportunity to vote. The only way for there to be even a glimpse of peace is for people to become less ignorant. A great step in doing this is registering to vote, researching candidates and issues and at the very least knowing what you are fighting for. Students have opportunities to register to vote at school, making it a simple process. Written by Jack Warner Graphics by Rachael Mueller and Makenzie Hooton
Voting Requirements U.S. Citizen Resident of Missouri
18
At least years old
Where to register mail the voter registration form in person at the missouri election office Online at Usvotefoundation.org
sources: www.USvotefoundation.org www.eac.gov Graphics by Makenzie Hooton
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Mixin’ Up The Match UPs Athletes Reflect on Conference Change
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s of fall of the 20182019 school year, the Missouri State High School Activities Association reclassified each Suburban Conference, and the school athletics have moved up from the Suburban White Conference to the Suburban Red Conference. “I think this a good move, because it’s certainly provided all of our sports teams and upcoming MSHSAA sponsored activities with an opportunity to compete with someone else,” said assistant principal Kevin Kooi. The sports teams went from playing schools like North Kansas City, Oak Park and Ruskin high schools to now playing Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Liberty North, Park Hill South, Truman and St. Joseph Central high schools. “When we found out about the change, we were actually pretty excited to face more competition. I feel like this is
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the conference we deserve to be in,” said senior and volleyball captain Tatum Thomas. Although there was excitement for this change, there has also been discussion of whether this is presenting more of a challenge to the athletic programs after being so successful in the past years.
felt some of the pressures of the change during competition. “The softball team was worried, because we haven’t had an easy win this year, and last year we had a few. We got run-ruled for the first time ever, but I don’t think it’s because we aren’t doing well as a team, it’s just a lot harder,” said senior
“The competitive nature of this conference is definitely more so than before.” Kevin Kooi, Assistant Principal “The competitive nature of this conference is definitely more so than before. I think it’s overall forced our coaches and players to build a stronger game plan, perhaps to even work a little harder in the summer to prepare,” said Kooi. Student athletes also have
SPORTS
softball player Ravin Moore. The team’s season ended during sectionals Oct. 17 against Liberty High School with a 3-4 loss and a 21-5 record. Besides having tougher competition, many athletes have had to deal with losing valuable players on top of it all.
“We knew that we would have a lot more requirements that we would have to push ourselves to do. We lost like 11 seniors in the past year, and that was basically our defense. We have a lot of new talent this year, and we knew we would have to work harder with the conference change as well,” said boys soccer captain junior Jesse Kuykendall. Even after being faced with challenges, the positivity and drive hasn’t disappeared. The big wins last year kept the momentum into competition this season. “If anything, this season has been more fun and exciting. My viewpoint on how we play isn’t affected by our conference,” said senior and football captain Landon Donaldson. “Regardless of conference, I believe we can go out there and beat every single team we play.” Written by Hailey Milliken
At the top of the fifth inning, senior Alana Vawter pitches against Liberty High School in the sectional game Oct. 17. Vawter was on the team all four years with a personal record of 19-4 this season. “Obviously, there was a lot on the line this time. It’s one of those games that you kind of wish you could take back a couple pitches here or there, but that’s part of the game,” said Vawter. Photo by Makanani Grace Up against Liberty High School, sophomore Ainslee Stepp serves the ball in the JV game at Liberty High School Sept. 20. The varsity team moved on from the first round of districts Oct. 22. “We really improved as the season has gone on, and come together. Being a sophomore on the team, I have really looked up to the juniors and seniors and tried to follow their lead,” said Stepp. Photo by Amelia Crow On the offensive line, senior Daniel O’Neill gets ready to start the play against St. Joseph Central High School Oct. 5 at home. Varsity won 48-0, adding to their record, making it 7-2. “It was a special game for me. It was a great way to end the year at home. It was the perfect way to send off the seniors,” said O’Neill. Photo by Lexi Valdez Taking the ball, junior Jared Kinate dribbles down the field against St. Joseph Central High School Oct. 17. Varsity lost 0-2. “The season is good so far. I’ve had a lot of fun, the team this year has a good energy, and hopefully we can make it far in post season play,” said Kinate. Photo by Lexi Valdez
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Making A Recovery Quarterback Recovering From concussion
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ootball games under Friday night lights are usually a unifying and celebrated activity for students and athletes alike. But at an away game on Oct. 12 against Park Hill High School, varsity starting quarterback and senior Loa Grace faced a tackle that left him unconscious, and he was taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital by ambulance immediately after. “Everything started actually two plays before the play that took me out. I was hit so hard that my helmet flew off my head, and I was in a daze. I couldn’t even run in a straight line off the field. My teammates even said that they were unsure of where I was mentally and tried to help me out,” said Grace. He said he ran back in and attempted to jump over a defender from the opposing team when he was forcefully knocked headfirst onto the field. “The hit against the ground rendered me unconscious as soon as my face mask made contact. I quickly woke up to see a lot of people surrounding me before putting me into the ambulance. As soon as they closed the doors and started driving, I was ruled unresponsive, and I think that freaked a lot of people out,” said Grace. While at the hospital, it was determined that he had developed a concussion during the game. “Concussions in high school football have always been around, but we are continuously becoming more educated about them,” said athletic trainer Alena Nelson. Many are unaware of the signs of a possible concussion, and this could lead to a
more dangerous situation. “Some common signs that we can associate with a concussion are headaches, nausea, loss of balance, sensitivity to noise and memory problems,” said Nelson. Grace said he woke up the next morning with very few memories. He felt a constant pounding in his head and was faced with a room full of relatives that he could not recognize. “It was like I got a reset button. I knew I
“In the hospital, I definitely learned to never take anything for granted. Having your memory and ability to walk taken away from you opens up your eyes,”
Loa Grace, 12 was missing information that was supposed to be there, and as soon as I woke up, it was a room full of drama. Family members came up to me, and I was just like, ‘I don’t know who you are,’” said Grace. He gradually regained memories after his relatives reminded him of what position he played, what number he was and what happened after he left the field. His treatment in the hospital left him in a bed for 72 hours without being able to walk or use any
electronics for the time. “Rest is best. It’s like, if someone pulled a hamstring, we wouldn’t want that person using that hamstring. We apply the same concept to the brain. It’s good to take some screen time and a bit of schooling away if needed,” said Nelson. While recovering in the hospital, Grace said he felt his appreciation for life before the injury increase every day. “In the hospital, I definitely learned to never take anything for granted. Having your memory and ability to walk taken away from you opens up your eyes,” said Grace. “Just seeing the amount of effort it takes to hold a conversation made me realize things could be a lot worse for me.” Moving forward from the incident, Grace said he wants to take things slow and at his own pace from now on. He wants to go out and finish what he’s started but also keep his health in check at the same time. He wants other athletes to learn from his experience for the future as well. “If you notice something is wrong with a fellow teammate, the best thing to do is to tell that person, ‘Hey you should sit out,’ instead of letting them go out there and make things worse like I did. Even though I feel like my athletic season has taken a bit of a downfall, I’m holding out, and I’m ready to stay Staley strong,” said Grace. We attempted to interview head football coach Phil Lite, but due to privacy rules, he was unable to participate. Written by Hailey Milliken Graphics by Alexa Schulte
The Brotherhood That is Football
Seniors Reflect On Teammate “He’s a part of the team, which means he’s a part of the brotherhood, and we support each other through everything.” -- safety Quinten Arello, 12 “Being in football is like a brotherhood. We just wanted to check up on him and make sure he’s getting healthy.” -- halfback Shannon Stewart, 12 “It’s deeper than football with us football guys. We all wanted to go see how he was doing, because that’s our brother. So we all talked and decided that we should go visit Loa and talk to him. He was in great spirit and we all wish him a speedy recovery because we miss him.” -- wide reciever Dalton Nugent, 12
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After being released from the hospital, senior Loa Grace returns to school for the first time Oct. 11. After the concussion, Grace was very sensitive to light and sound, so he wasn’t allowed to use his phone or laptop. “It’s been a learning experience that I should be more grateful for things that I take for granted,” said Grace. Photo By Makanani Grace Under the Friday night lights during a home football game against St. Joseph Central High School Oct. 5, senior Loa Grace runs the ball to the end zone. Varsity won with a score of 48-0, and Grace ran two touchdowns. “I was really proud of my team for how they performed that night,” said Grace. Photo by grace duddy At Children’s Mercy Hospital, starting quarterback senior Loa Grace recieves a surprise visit Oct. 13 by teammates including his cousin junior Kekoa Grace, senior Shannon Stewart, senior Jake Wilson, junior Dawson Parks, junior Noah Allwood, junior Nick Wright, senior Dalton Nugent, senior Jaden Moss, junior Ramon Shelton and senior Quinten Arello. Grace suffered severe memory loss and failed to rememember names after his concussion in the football game against Park Hill High School Oct. 12. “He is our brother, and we were all worried about him,” said Parks, current varsity starting quarterback. “We all feel bad about what happened and wish nothing but the best for him.” Photos by Makanani Grace
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Taking Home Gold
Athlete Wins Medal at Special Olympics State
C
oming home with a gold medal from the 2018 Special Olympics state competition in Jefferson City, Missouri, made for an exciting end to a season for freshman Casey Dodge. Dodge played softball on the Blue Northstars Special Olympics team. “Casey is small, but mighty,” said Special Olympics Coordinator and special education teacher Pamela Rohlfing, who coaches and oversees the group for the North Kansas City School District. The team began practicing full time in July. They competed three times, the final game being state competition. The team is filled with a variety of athletes. There were “unified partners,” meaning that one general education student was paired with a Special Olympics athlete who played as the catcher. “Playing with my team,” said Dodge when asked what her favorite part of the competition was. While competing, the athletes learned to rely on each other and work together both on and off the softball field. “A large part of Casey’s support system was her teammates. It’s cool to watch them cheer for each other, and when Casey got her gold medal,
the team was very happy to see it happen for her,” said Rohlfing. Outside of softball practices, Dodge put in work at school to prepare for her competition. “P.E. with my teammates,” said Dodge when asked what her favorite longterm preparation for the competition was. At the competition, to receive their awards, the athletes’ names were called in front of fellow teammates, and a police officer put the medal around the athletes’ necks. In addition to competing with the Blue Northstars, Dodge is also a special skills athlete, where she competes on her own in numerous events such as bowling, track and basketball. Bowling was one of Dodge’s favorite sports, and she said basketball is the hardest for her. “We were all so proud of Casey. She does a great job of working for a team,” said Rohlfing. But Dodge didn’t stop there. Even though softball is over, she is currently in bowling season, and basketball officially starts on Nov. 3. Written by Kayla Pospisil Photo by Bryce Windsor Graphics by Autumn Adams
FEATURE
TALON
VOLUME 11
ISSUE 2
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